Date: January 23, 2025
Dhaka, Bangladesh – In a highly competitive match in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025, Durbar Rajshahi secured a nail-biting 5-wicket victory over Rangpur Riders on January 22, 2025. Held at the iconic Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, this thrilling contest saw Rajshahi chase down a challenging target of 163 runs set by the Riders.
Rangpur Riders’ Innings: Strong Start, But a Struggling Finish
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Rangpur Riders got off to a solid start thanks to opener Mominul Haque, who anchored the innings with a composed 44 runs off 35 balls. Shamsur Rahman provided valuable support with a quickfire 32 runs off 22 balls, while the all-rounder Mohammad Nabi contributed with 25 runs off 19 balls. However, the Riders’ innings faltered in the latter stages, as they struggled to capitalize on their solid start, finishing at 162/7 in 20 overs.
The Durbar Rajshahi bowlers, especially Shafiul Islam, kept the pressure on, with the right-arm pacer claiming 2 wickets for 22 runs. Rajshahi’s ability to restrict the Riders in the final overs, despite the early breakthroughs, proved vital to their victory.
Durbar Rajshahi’s Chase: Shakib Al Hasan Leads the Charge
In response, Durbar Rajshahi faced early jitters in their chase. The pressure mounted after they lost quick wickets in the powerplay, but a match-winning partnership between Shakib Al Hasan (58 runs off 44 balls) and Afif Hossain (31 runs off 23 balls) revived their hopes. Shakib, who played a calm yet aggressive knock, ensured that Rajshahi remained on track throughout the innings, taking the team closer to the target with crucial boundaries in the middle overs.
Despite a brief collapse, Rajshahi comfortably reached the target, finishing at 163/5 with 4 balls to spare. Their ability to stay calm under pressure, thanks to Shakib’s experience, proved decisive in the game.
Key Match Stats and Performances
- Rangpur Riders: 162/7 in 20 overs
- Mominul Haque: 44 runs off 35 balls
- Shamsur Rahman: 32 runs off 22 balls
- Mohammad Nabi: 25 runs off 19 balls
- Shafiul Islam (Durbar Rajshahi): 2 wickets for 22 runs
- Durbar Rajshahi: 163/5 in 19.2 overs
- Shakib Al Hasan: 58 runs off 44 balls
- Afif Hossain: 31 runs off 23 balls
- Shamsur Rahman (Rangpur Riders): 2 wickets for 28 runs
Shakib Al Hasan’s Leadership Shines
Shakib Al Hasan, the Durbar Rajshahi captain, stood out as the game-changer, guiding his side through tricky moments. His leadership was evident in his composed knock and his ability to manage pressure during the chase. Shakib’s partnership with Afif Hossain was particularly critical in stabilizing the innings after early setbacks.
After the match, Shakib said, “I always try to stay calm in tough situations, and it paid off today. The team did well to chase the target with composure.”
Rangpur Riders’ Performance: Key Takeaways and Areas for Improvement
While Rangpur Riders started strong, their failure to accelerate in the final overs hurt their chances of posting a bigger total. Mahmudullah Riyad, the Riders’ captain, acknowledged the team’s shortcomings in his post-match comments: “We couldn’t finish the innings well, and it’s something we need to work on. We also missed out on a few key chances in the field. We’ll focus on these areas ahead of our next match.”
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this thrilling win, Durbar Rajshahi remains firmly in contention for the 2025 BPL playoffs. They will next face the Chattogram Challengers on January 25, 2025, in a highly anticipated encounter that will play a crucial role in securing their spot in the top four.
On the other hand, Rangpur Riders will look to bounce back quickly. They face Khulna Tigers on January 24, 2025, and will be keen to rectify their mistakes to stay in the playoff race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the final score of the Durbar Rajshahi vs Rangpur Riders match?
Durbar Rajshahi won by 5 wickets, chasing down Rangpur Riders’ total of 162/7 with 163/5 in 19.2 overs.
2. Who were the key performers for Durbar Rajshahi in this match?
Shakib Al Hasan was the standout performer with 58 runs off 44 balls, while Shafiul Islam contributed with 2 wickets for 22 runs.
3. What was Rangpur Riders’ total score in the 2025 BPL match against Durbar Rajshahi?
Rangpur Riders scored 162/7 in 20 overs, with Mominul Haque top-scoring with 44 runs.
4. When is Durbar Rajshahi’s next BPL match?
Durbar Rajshahi will play against Chattogram Challengers on January 25, 2025.
5. How can I watch the Durbar Rajshahi vs Rangpur Riders match highlights?
Highlights are available on the official BPL YouTube channel and sports streaming platforms.
Conclusion: Durbar Rajshahi Eyes Playoff Spot with Crucial Victory
Durbar Rajshahi’s thrilling win over Rangpur Riders in the 2025 Bangladesh Premier League has given them a significant boost in their bid for a playoff spot. With the experienced leadership of Shakib Al Hasan and the collective effort of the team, Rajshahi will aim to continue their momentum as they head into the next stage of the tournament. Meanwhile, Rangpur Riders will need to regroup and improve their all-round game to stay alive in the race for the playoffs.
