Shakib Al Hasan showcased his prowess with both bat and ball, steering Rangpur Riders to their sixth victory in the ongoing season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), as they overcame Chattogram Challengers at Sher-E-Bangla Stadium, Mirpur, on Saturday.
Shakib's impressive performance included a blistering knock of 27 runs off 16 balls, featuring one six and three boundaries, at a striking rate of 168.75. He followed up with a stellar bowling display, claiming two wickets and conceding just 24 runs in his four-over spell.
His performance brought relief to Shakib's fans, given the all-rounder's recent struggles with an eye issue. The Rangpur Riders won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored a total of 211 runs for the loss of three wickets. Rony Talukdar laid a solid foundation with a 61-run opening partnership. Rony contributed 24 runs, while Reeza Hendricks scored 58 off 41 balls with three fours and one six.
Left-arm medium pacer Salauddin Sakil of Chattogram Challengers was the pick of the bowlers for Chattogram Challengers, claiming two crucial wickets and conceding just 15 runs.
But the scoring rate was slowed down a bit when Salahuddin Shakil removed both Shakib and Hendricks in three balls. Shakib hammered 16 ball-27 with three fours and one six.
Sohan and James Neesham gave the finishing in style with Rangpur clobbering 75 runs in the last five overs. Neesham who raised his half-century in the last ball, whacking a towering six, was unbeaten on 51 off 26. He smote five fours and three sixes. Sohan was 31 not out.
In response, Chattagram Challenger faltered, managed only 158 runs for six. Shykat Ali was the top scorer with 63 runs off 45 balls. Rangpur Riders won over Chattagram Challengers by 53 runs. After hitting a half-century in his first match, Neesham took 2-32 with the cherry to deny Chattogram pose any challenge. Shakib Al Hasan also played his part well with 2-24.
South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir who also represented Rangpur for the first time in this season, took 1-28.
Amid the carnage of Rangpur bowlers, opener Shykat Ali, struck a six-laden 63 off 45, an innings laced with one four and six sixes. Skipper Shuvagata Hom was the other notable scorer with 13 ball-31 not out.
With this victory, Rangpur is in the top position in the points table. They secured 12 points from eight matches, while the Chattagram Challengers faced a third defeat from the same number of outings. They have collected 10 points so far.