In the first match of the Sylhet phase, Sylhet Strikers suffered a defeat despite putting up a massive total of 205 runs. On a batting-friendly pitch with short boundaries, even such a score wasn’t enough for them.
A total of 205 runs is impressive on any wicket, but doubts lingered during the innings break about whether it would be sufficient. Sylhet’s bowling attack lacked firepower, the pitch was a batter’s paradise, and the short boundaries only added to the uncertainty. The Sylhet International Stadium already has relatively small boundaries, but for the BPL, they were brought in even more—especially on the press box side, where the boundary barely extends beyond the 30-yard circle.
Those doubts soon became reality as the BPL witnessed a record-breaking flurry of sixes. With a sensational partnership between Alex Hales and Saif Hassan, Rangpur Riders chased down the massive target with ease, marking a memorable win. The Sylhet phase of the BPL began with a Sylhet defeat.
At the toss, Sylhet captain Ariful Haque had said, “170-180 would be a good score.” Thanks to late fireworks from Aaron Jones and Zakir Ali, the team surpassed expectations. However, Rangpur’s dominant batting made the contest one-sided.
Hales, who was unbeaten on 49 in the previous match, stayed unbeaten once again, this time reaching a stunning century. Saif Hassan played the best innings of his career. Rangpur chased down the target with eight wickets in hand and six balls to spare.
This was only the second-highest successful chase in BPL history. The highest remains Comilla Victorians’ 211-run chase against Khulna Tigers in 2023.
For Rangpur, this was their fourth win in four matches, while Sylhet lost both of their two games.
Hales finished the match in style, smashing 10 fours and 7 sixes in an unbeaten 113 off just 56 balls. Saif contributed 80 runs off 49 balls, hitting 7 sixes and 3 fours before being dismissed with victory in sight.
Hales and Saif also set a new record for the highest partnership in BPL history, adding 186 runs. The previous record also involved Hales, who had shared a 184-run stand with AB de Villiers for Rangpur Riders in 2019.
The match also saw a record for the most sixes in a BPL game, with batters hitting 31 sixes in total. This surpassed the previous record of 29 sixes, achieved in two separate matches.
Bright Start by Ronny and Munsey
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Ronny Talukdar hit a four off the third ball of the innings. In the next over, George Munsey joined the act with his first boundary.
Ronny struck the first six of the match in the fourth over, and Munsey followed with another in the same over. However, Munsey’s attempt for a third six resulted in him being caught for 18 runs off 12 balls. The opening stand ended at 47 runs in 30 balls.
Ronny’s Blazing Fifty
Ronny, who had scored a 40-plus knock in the previous game, reached his fifty this time. He smashed a six and a four in the eighth over and brought up his half-century in just 30 balls.
Ronny was dismissed for 54 off 32 balls, with 7 fours and 3 sixes.
Sluggish Paul Stirling
Paul Stirling, coming in at No. 4 for only the third time in his T20 career, struggled to find rhythm. His partnership with Zakir added 36 runs in 31 balls, slowing down Sylhet’s momentum. Stirling was eventually dismissed for 16 off 16 balls.
Zakir’s Fifty and Late Flourish
Zakir Hasan brought up his seventh T20 fifty in the 18th over but was dismissed shortly after for 50 off 38 balls.
Aaron Jones and Zakir Ali then unleashed a flurry of big hits, adding 34 runs in just nine balls. Jones remained unbeaten on 38 off 19 balls, while Zakir Ali smashed 20 off just five deliveries.
Saifuddin’s Bowling Shines
Amidst the carnage, Mohammad Saifuddin bowled brilliantly, taking 2 wickets for 31 runs in his four overs. However, the other bowlers, including Nahid Rana and Akif Javed, were expensive.
Hales and Saif Dominate
After losing Tamim for a duck in the first over, Hales and Saif took control. Sylhet’s bowlers had no answer to their aggressive stroke play.
Hales reached his fifty off 31 balls, while Saif followed suit in the same number of deliveries. As the duo continued to dominate, Rangpur reached 100 in just the 11th over.
Saif eventually fell for 80, but Hales carried on, reaching his seventh T20 century off just 54 balls. His innings included seven towering sixes.
Hales ended the match with two sixes off Al-Amin, sealing an emphatic victory for Rangpur.
Match Summary:
Sylhet Strikers: 205/4 in 20 overs (Ronny 54, Zakir 50, Jones 38*; Saifuddin 2/31)
Rangpur Riders: 210/2 in 19 overs (Hales 113*, Saif 80; Tanzim 2/23)
Result: Rangpur Riders won by 8 wickets
Player of the Match: Alex Hales
