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GUYANA: Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round performance, followed by Saif Hassan’s hat-trick, helped Rangpur Riders defeat Dubai Capitals by eight runs to seal a spot in the final of the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 here at the Providence Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a partly 159-run target, Dubai Capitals innings folded on 150 in 19.2 overs.
Rangpur Riders bowled wreak havoc with the new ball, dismantling Dubai Capitals’ top-order as they were reduced to 28-3 inside five overs.
Kadeem Alleyne (1) was the one to go, bowled by Kyle Maylers while skipper Gulbadin Naib was sent packing for a golden duck. Niroshan Dickwella’s (9) short stay at the crease was ended by Saif Hasan.
After early hiccups, Sediqullah Atal partnered with Sanjay Krishnamurthi in a bid to steady Dubai Capitals in the chase. The duo added 48 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket, bringing the score to 76 at the halfway mark of the innings.
However, Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s wicket triggered a collapse that Dubai Capitals could not recover from. The right-hander’s 27 off 22 balls featured a four and a six.
Experienced Shakib Al Hasan (3) and top scorer Sediqullah Atal (38 off 31 balls) went in quick succession as Riders derailed Capitals’ chase.
With 74 runs required from 42 balls, it was always a herculean task; however, Dominic Drakes and Jesse Bootan partnered for a quick-fire 30 runs to give their team some hope.
The stand culminated in the 16th over as Jesse Bootan (15 off 11 balls) was run out. Riders tightened the screws in the final overs, not before Qais Ahmed’s scare as they reduced Capitals to 130-8 in 17.3 overs.
With 28 required of 12 balls, Qais Ahmed struck two sixes and a four off his compatriot Azmatullah Omarzai’s 19th over before getting dismissed.
Dubai Capitals required 9 runs from 6 balls, but Dominic Drakes removed Ibrahim Zadran on the second ball of the over to seal Rangpur Riders a spot in the final.
For Ranpur Riders, Saif Hassan was the standout bowler, picking up three wickets. Khaled Ahmed scalped two while Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with one wicket.
Earlier, opting to bat first, Rangpur Riders posted 158-5 in their allocated 20 overs, thanks to Iftikhar Ahmed and Nurul Hasan’s unbeaten stand of 54 runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed struck three fours and two sixes on his way to 41* off 32 balls. Nurul 34* off 18 deliveries laced with the same amount of boundaries ensured that Ranpur Riders finished strong at the back end of the innings.
Iftikhar Ahmed was named as the Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
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