DHAKA, Dec 30, 2024 (BSS)- Rangpur Riders got off to their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) campaign with a comprehensive 40-run victory over Dhaka Capitals, riding on a superb allround show of Pakistan recruit Khushdil Shah at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Khushdil firstly smashed 23 ball-46 not out with three fours and as many sixes to steer the side to a hefty 191-6 before claiming 2-15 with the bowling to hold back Dhaka to 151-9.

Offspinner Mahedi Hasan played his part with 4-27 to play an equally important role in the victory of Rangpur which is one of the top favourites to win the title.

Iftikhar Ahmed made team-best 49 for Rangpur after the side was asked to bat first. Rangpur lost two openers Steven Smith and Alex Hales early before Iftikhar and Saif Hasan combined for an 89-run for the third wicket to lay a solid platform.

Saif Hasan who struck two fours and two sixes was dismissed by Alauddin Babu to give Dhaka a ray of hope to restrict Rangpur to a moderate total.

Babu, the highest wicket-taker of the recently concluded NCL T20, further bolstered the hopes by removing Iftikhar who belted eight fours in his 38 balls knock.

But Khushdil used the platform to good effect, steering Rangpur to a total that proved to be winning one at the end. He got support from captain Nurul Hasan Sohan who made 11 ball-25.

Alauddin Babu claimed 3-43 for Dhaka while fast bowler Mukidul Islam Mugdho ended with 2-27.

Dhaka made strong reply through Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Liton Das as the duo added 65 runs to the opening stand to raise a hope of overhauling big target with ease.

But Mahedi sparked a collapse by taking wickets in cluster. He took four wickets in his two overs, taking two wickets in each over to leave Dhaka 75-4 in 9.5 overs from 65-0 in 7.2 overs.

Liton Das’s 31 was the best for his side while Tanzid Tamim made 30.

Khushdil Shah then appeared in the stage to further derail Dhaka, giving Rangpur an easy victory which they expected after putting up a strong batting show.