Rangpur Riders Make Commanding Start with Thumping Victory

Rangpur Riders announced their arrival in emphatic fashion in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), securing a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Chattogram Royals in their opening fixture. Chasing a modest target of 103, Rangpur completed the task with consummate ease, reaching the required runs in just 15 overs while losing only three wickets, and with five full overs to spare.

The chase was built on a rock-solid opening partnership between Litton Das and England’s David Malan, whose composure and authority with the bat rendered the contest one-sided well before the halfway mark. From the outset, the duo dictated terms, combining elegant stroke play with intelligent shot selection to dismantle the Chattogram bowling attack.

Litton Das played a fluent innings, scoring 47 runs from 31 deliveries, including four boundaries and two towering sixes. His dismissal came at a team total of 91, when he was caught off the bowling of Mukidul Islam, but by then the damage had already been done. Towhid Hridoy failed to make an impact, departing for just one run from three balls, also falling victim to Mukidul.

David Malan, however, remained unflustered at the other end. Demonstrating his class and experience, he anchored the innings superbly, striking five fours and two sixes in a polished knock of 51. Malan was dismissed with Rangpur just two runs shy of victory, a mere formality at that stage. Rangpur eventually crossed the line comfortably, underlining their batting depth and confidence early in the tournament.

Earlier in the match, Chattogram Royals struggled to gain momentum after being sent in to bat. Their innings began disastrously as Adam Rossington was dismissed in the very first over, edging Nahid Rana to wicketkeeper Aliss Islam. Although Naim Sheikh attempted a counterattack with a brisk 39 off just 20 balls, his dismissal at the hands of Mustafizur Rahman triggered a dramatic collapse.

Following Naim’s departure, wickets fell in quick succession. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed without scoring, and the middle order offered little resistance. Rangpur’s bowling was led magnificently by Faheem Ashraf, who seized control during the middle overs with a devastating spell. He removed Mahfizul Islam Robin, Masood Gurbaz, Chattogram captain Sheikh Mehedi, Shariful Islam, and finally Abu Haider Rony to complete a brilliant five-wicket haul.

Chattogram Royals were eventually bowled out for 102 in just 17.5 overs, a total that proved wholly inadequate on the day.

Match Summary Table :

With this commanding all-round performance, Rangpur Riders have set a strong tone for their BPL campaign, showcasing balance, discipline, and intent that will concern opponents as the tournament progresses.