Malan, Hridoy and Nahid inspire Rangpur Riders to play-offs

Bangla Press Desk:   Dawid Malan and Towhid Hridoy blasted half-centuries before Nahid Rana came up with a three-wicket haul to steer Rangpur Riders to the play-offs of the Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) following a 11-run triumph over Dhaka Capitals in Mirpur on Saturday.

In the process, Dhaka were ousted from the tournament to join the already eliminated Noakhali Express in the exit door while Rangpur will now turn their attention to the play-offs where Rajshahi Warriors, Chattogram Royals and Sylhet Titans lie in wait.

The Riders restricted the Capitals to 170-7 after posting 181-4, riding on openers Malan (78 off 49) and Hridoy (62 off 46).

Rangpur had surged to 100 in just 11.3 overs, raising hopes of the tournament’s first 200-plus total this season, but failed to capitalise on the strong platform. 

Malan and Hridoy slowed after reaching their fifties, allowing Dhaka to claw their way back into the contest.

Dhaka tightened the bowling at the death, conceding only 16 runs and taking three wickets in the final three overs to keep Rangpur below the 200-mark.

In reply, Usman Khan (31 off 18) and Saif Hassan (12 off six) struck quickfire knocks but the Capitals’ run-chase was rocked following the loss of wickets before and after the powerplay.

Captain Mohammad Mithun (25 off 29) and Shamim Hossain (10 off 11) then somewhat slowed things down for Dhaka with their pedestrian knocks. The late flourish provided by Saifuddin (58* off 30) and Imad Wasim (20 off 14) came too late for the capital city outfit.

Right-arm speedster Nahid returned brilliant figures of 3-11 from his four overs, while Faheem Ashraf picked up 2-43.

BP/SP