DHAKA, Dec 31, 2024 (BSS) - Fast bowler Nahid Rana carried his national team form into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) to steer Rangpur Riders to second straight victory when they coasted to a 34-run win over Sylhet Strikers at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Electing to bat first, Rangpur put up a moderate 155-6 but Nahid Rana helped the side defend the total by claiming 4-27 that saw Sylhet restrict to 121-9.

Mohammad Saifuddin and Pakistan recruit Khushdil Shah took two wickets apiece to complement Rana.

Rony Talukdar made team-high 41 for Sylhet while Jaker Ali scored 24. The duo batted with patience after initial trouble and added 48 runs before Rana broke through with the crucial wicket of Jaker.

Khushdil Shah then dismissed Rony to throw Sylhet out of the game.
Pakistan recruit Iftikhar Ahmed was the top-scorer for Rangpur with 47 not out. He struck four fours and one six in his innings, playing 42 balls.

Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan, however, was the main architect of taking the score past 150, after a shaky start, with 24 ball-41, an innings laced with four fours and two sixes.

After opting to bat first, Rangpur were reduced to 69-4 in 12th over, before Sohan and Iftikhar added 65-run for the fifth wicket to stabilize the things.

Mahedi Hasan played eight ball-16 to also contribute in Rangpur's cause.
Rangpur earlier opened the BPL campaign with a 40-run victory over Dhaka Capitals.