Mahmudullah’s Calm, Mustafizur’s Nerves of Steel Lift Rangpur Past Dhaka

SYLHET — The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium witnessed a pulsating contest on Sunday as Rangpur Riders edged past Dhaka Capitals by just five runs, thanks to a masterclass from Mahmudullah in the middle and Mustafizur Rahman’s ice-cool finish. The Riders’ victory lifts them into the top tier of the BPL standings, while Dhaka was left ruing missed chances in a chase that seemed within reach until the final over.

Chasing 156, Dhaka Capitals had the ideal start. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looked fluent at the top, racing to 31 and keeping the scoreboard ticking. But Rangpur’s bowlers, led by Mustafizur, ensured the chase never got out of hand. Abdullah Al Mamun and Shamim Hossain departed at the key moments, leaving the Capitals in a tense position.

Mahmudullah Sets the Platform, Mustafizur Slams the Door

Earlier, Rangpur’s innings had been under pressure from the Capitals’ disciplined bowling. Kyle Mayers and Litton Das fell cheaply, leaving Rangpur reeling at 30 for 2. Dawid Malan provided some stability with a patient 33, but it was veteran Mahmudullah who turned the innings around. 

His 51 off 41 balls rescued Rangpur from potential collapse and allowed Khushdil Shah to launch a late assault. Shah’s unbeaten 38 off just 21 balls, including a towering six in the final overs, pushed Rangpur to a defendable 155/5. 

Taskin Ahmed and Ziaur Rahman were the main threats for Dhaka, with Taskin claiming Mahmudullah in the 18th over to stem the momentum.

With 16 needed off 6 balls, Mustafizur Rahman was entrusted with the task, and he delivered under immense pressure. First, Shamim Hossain fell to a sharp deep-square-leg catch, and despite Sabbir Rahman clearing the ropes in the penultimate delivery, Mustafizur’s precise cutters and yorkers kept Dhaka short of the target. The Capitals finished on 150/4, just five runs shy of victory.

The match showcased why T20 cricket is as much about mental strength as skill. Rangpur’s ability to recover from early setbacks highlighted the fine margins in high-pressure encounters. Dhaka, while led admirably by Mithun and Nurul Hasan, will need to find solutions for death-over execution.

For the fans in Sylhet, it was a rollercoaster, wickets tumbling, brilliant strokes, and a finish that kept everyone on edge. Rangpur Riders now sit comfortably among the top two in the points table, while Dhaka Capitals must regroup quickly as the BPL season 12 continues.