Advertisement
Advertisement
GUYANA: Pakistan’s seasoned all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed helped defending champions Rangpur Riders begin their Global Super League (GSL) 2025 campaign with a thrilling victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, skipper Nurul Hasan’s side posted a competitive 162 for 5 in their 20 overs.
Opening batter Soumya Sarkar anchored the innings with a patient 35 runs off 36 balls.
However, after his dismissal, Kyle Mayers, who came in to bat at number three, witnessed a collapse at the other end as the Riders slipped to 86 for 5.
Iftikhar then joined Mayers, and together they rescued Rangpur Riders with an unbeaten partnership of 76 runs from just 43 balls.
Mayers top-scored with 44* off 31 with the help of three boundaries and two sixes, while Iftikhar smashed an unbeaten 34 off just 21 deliveries, laced with two sixes and as many fours.
For the Amazon Warriors, veteran leg-spinner Imran Tahir and left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie shared two wickets each, while South African all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius chipped in with one.
In reply, the Imran Tahir-led Guyana side showed early promise but couldn’t cross the line, getting bowled out for 154 in 19.1 overs.
Johnson Charles top-scored with a fluent 40 off 28 balls, while Moeen Ali (27 off 18) and Sherfane Rutherford (19 off 13) kept the chase alive.
Pretorius and Jewel Andrew also chipped in with 14 runs each, but none of the other batters could capitalise.
Rangpur’s Khaled Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 36 in a match-defining spell.
He was ably supported by Tabraiz Shamsi and Azmatullah Omarzai, who picked up two wickets each.
Iftikhar Ahmed also made an impact with the ball, taking the key wicket of Jewel Andrew in his only over.
Earlier in the day, the tournament kicked off with Dubai Capitals registering a 22-run win over New Zealand’s Central Districts in the opening fixture of GSL 2025.
READ: Ben Stokes’ injury clouds a worry for England in India Test
