Cricket Highlights, January 26: Bangladesh Premier League 2024/25 (34th Match) – Durbar Rajshahi vs Rangpur Riders

RAJ vs RAR (34th Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between RAJ and RAR in the 34th match of the Bangladesh Premier League, held under the lights at Mirpur on January 26, 2025. The match turned out to be a nail-biting contest as Rajshahi defended a modest total of 119/9, clinching a narrow 2-run victory over Rangpur Riders. Despite Rangpur’s efforts to chase down the target, Rajshahi’s disciplined bowling and spirited fielding ensured a dramatic finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the very last ball. 

After opting to bat first, RAJ had a rocky start as Jishan Alam was dismissed in the second over by Mohammad Saifuddin. Sabbir Hossain followed soon after, stumped off Rakibul Hasan’s bowling for 11 runs, leaving Rajshahi struggling at 20/2 within four overs. Anamul Haque (13 off 16) tried to stabilize the innings, but his unfortunate run-out further dented Rajshahi’s hopes.

Mrittunjoy Chowdhury (10 off 10) and SM Meherob (7 off 7) chipped in with brief cameos but failed to build a partnership as Khushdil Shah struck twice in quick succession. Yasir Ali’s dismissal for just 3 runs deepened the crisis, with Rajshahi at 56/6 in the 10th over.

The lower middle-order, however, showed some resilience. Akbar Ali (19 off 21) and Sunzamul Islam (28 not out of 29) played crucial knocks, adding some vital runs to the scoreboard. Captain Taskin Ahmed provided a late flourish with a quick 13 off 8 balls, including a six, before being dismissed by Saifuddin. 

With support from Mohor Sheikh, Sunzamul ensured Rajshahi reached a competitive total of 119/9 in 20 overs. Khushdil Shah was the pick of the bowlers for Rangpur, claiming 3 wickets for just 19 runs in his 4 overs, while Saifuddin and Rakibul Hasan bagged two wickets each.

RAR chase began disastrously as opener Steven Taylor was caught behind for just 2 runs off Taskin Ahmed in the very first over. The early collapse continued, with Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahedi Hasan, and skipper Nurul Hasan all falling cheaply. By the 8th over, Rangpur was reeling at 30/6, with Mrittunjoy Chowdhury wreaking havoc by taking 4 wickets in his spell, finishing with exceptional figures of 4/18.

Rangpur’s hopes of recovery rested on Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Saifuddin, but Khushdil (10 off 18) was bowled by Mohor Sheikh, leaving Saifuddin with a near-impossible task. However, the all-rounder played a spectacular counter-attacking knock, smashing 52 runs off just 31 balls, including six boundaries and three sixes. Rakibul Hasan (20 off 22) provided some support, but the mounting required run rate and Rajshahi’s tight bowling ensured Rangpur fell short.

Taskin Ahmed and Mohor Sheikh chipped in with two wickets each, complementing Mrittunjoy’s stellar performance. With this victory, Rajshahi secured a dramatic 2-run win, showcasing the importance of disciplined bowling and fielding even in low-scoring games.

Durbar Rajshahi vs Rangpur Riders Scoreboard

Durbar Rajshahi– 119/9

Rangpur Riders– 117/8(20/20)

Result – Rajshahi won by 2 runs

Player of the Match – Mrittunjoy Chowdhury

RAJ vs RAR Playing XI

Durbar Rajshahi

Jishan Alam, Sabbir Hossain, Anamul Haque, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, SM Meherob, Yasir Ali, Akbar Ali(WK), Mizanur Rahman, Sunzamul Islam, Taskin Ahmed(C), Mohor Sheikh

Rangpur Riders

Steven Taylor, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan(C)(WK), Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Saifuddin, Rakibul Hasan, Akif Javed, Nahid Rana

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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