Medium pacer Fahim Ashraf claimed a five-wicket haul to steer Rangpur Riders to a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Chattogram Royals in their opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 tournament today at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan recruit Fahim returned brilliant figures of 5-17, helping bundle out Chattogram for a meagre 102 in 17.5 overs. Rangpur then chased down the target comfortably, reaching 107-3 in just 15 overs, thanks to a fluent half-century from former England opener Dawid Malan.
Mustafizur Rahman provided able support to Fahim, picking up 2-19 to wreak havoc on the Chattogram batting lineup.
However, it was young pace sensation Nahid Rana who struck first, removing Chattogram opener Adam Rossington for 1 after the Royals were sent in to bat.
Mustafizur soon joined the act by dismissing Mirza Baig, who had led Chattogram to victory over Noakhali Express in the tournament opener with a 69-ball 80. This time, Baig managed only 20 off 24 balls.
Mustafizur also accounted for Naim Sheikh, who top-scored for Chattogram with a 20-ball 39. Fahim then triggered a dramatic middle-order collapse, ensuring Rangpur were left with a modest target to chase.
Malan and Liton Das made the pursuit a cakewalk, putting on a 91-run opening stand. Liton hammered 47 off 31 balls, an innings studded with four fours and two sixes, before departing.
Malan followed shortly after, but Mahmudullah Riyad and Khushdil Shah guided Rangpur home safely, with Khushdil sealing the victory in style by smashing a towering six.
