Rangpur Riders produced a thrilling performance to defeat Sylhet Titans, powered by a cameo from Mahmudullah Riyad and valuable contributions from Khushdil Shah on Saturday in Sylhet.
In their previous outing against Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur had narrowly missed victory, needing one run off the final delivery with Mahmudullah on strike. Attempting a mid-wicket push off Ripon Mondal’s yorker, he failed to find the gap, sending the game to a Super Over and attracting criticism. He more than made amends in this fixture, asserting his class when it mattered most.
Chasing 145 at Sylhet International Stadium, Rangpur faced a tricky scenario, needing 50 runs from 31 balls when Kyle Mayers walked in. On a challenging surface, Mahmudullah took control, hitting three consecutive fours and a six in a single over off Mehedi Hasan Miraz to turn the game in Rangpur’s favour.
Earlier, Mustafizur Rahman and Fahim Ashraf had bowled superbly, taking three wickets each to restrict Sylhet to 144. Rangpur’s batsmen, led by Liton Das, Kyle Mayers, and Mahmudullah, steered the team to a comfortable six-wicket victory.
Sylhet Titans, sent in after losing the toss, began well but lost early wickets, including Miraz to Mustafizur, who achieved the milestone of 400 T20 wickets—becoming only the second Bangladeshi to reach the landmark after Shakib Al Hasan.
Rony Talukdar fell before the end of the powerplay, while Parvez Hossain Emon managed just 15 runs from 19 balls. Ethan Brooks and Afif stabilised the innings with a partnership that lifted Sylhet to a competitive total, although both were eventually dismissed by Mustafizur and Fahim.
In the death overs, Sylhet added 36 runs but lost four more wickets, finishing on 144 all out. Mustafizur and Fahim each took three wickets, with Mitunjay and Ali chipping in with one apiece.
Rangpur’s chase was anchored by Mahmudullah, who remained unbeaten on 34 from 16 balls, while Khushdil Shah contributed 19 off 11. Their composed innings under pressure ensured Rangpur completed the target, leaving Sylhet Titans reeling with a fourth-wicket collapse at a crucial stage of the match.
