Rangpur Riders Dominate Early BPL 2024-25 Season
JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL
Rangpur Riders are off to a flying start in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 season, claiming victory in their first five matches. They now sit comfortably at the top of the table, four points clear of their rivals.
Their success includes two wins each against new franchise Dhaka Capital and Sylhet Strikers, along with an impressive victory over defending champions Fortune Barishal. Coming into the tournament fresh off a Global Super League title in Guyana, Rangpur’s performance signals a strong challenge for the BPL crown.
- Rangpur Riders have won all five games.
- Sylhet Strikers and Dhaka Capital remain winless.
- Fortune Barishal faced a tough loss to Rangpur but secured three wins elsewhere.
Fortune Barishal’s Mixed Fortunes
Fortune Barishal, strong contenders for the title, have had a mixed season so far. While they managed three wins against Sylhet and Durbar Rajshahi, the loss to Rangpur dampened their campaign.
The defeat to Rangpur highlights areas of concern as Barishal aims to stay competitive in the league.
Star Batting Performances Shine
Three players have delivered standout batting performances in the opening week of the season, achieving centuries:
- Usman Khan: Scored a match-winning 123 off 62 balls for Chittagong Kings against Rajshahi.
- Thisara Perera: Hit an unbeaten 103 off 60 balls for Dhaka, despite a loss to Khulna.
- Alex Hales: Smashed 113 not out off 56 balls for Rangpur in a thrilling chase against Sylhet.
Saif Hassan also impressed for Rangpur, starting the season with two half-centuries in three innings.
Record-Breaking Bowling Performance by Taskin Ahmed
Taskin Ahmed set a new BPL record with his remarkable 7 for 19 for Durbar Rajshahi against Dhaka. This performance marks only the third seven-wicket haul in T20 history and the first in a major franchise league.
He leads the wicket-takers chart with 12 scalps in just four matches, while Rangpur bowlers Nahid Rana and Mahedi Hasan also contributed with four-wicket hauls.
Unusual and Memorable Moments
The season’s opening week saw several unusual events:
- Tom O’Connell: Recalled after a controversial “timed out” decision in Chittagong’s match against Khulna.
- Thisara Perera’s Century: Achieved at No. 6 for Dhaka in a rare BPL feat, though in a losing cause.
- Lahiru Samarakoon: Bowled the most expensive spell of the season, conceding 64 runs in four overs for Rajshahi.
These moments added drama and excitement to the tournament.
Young Talent Making a Mark
Emerging players have also made an impact this season:
- Jishan Alam: Showed promise with 38 off 27 balls for Rajshahi after a slow start.
- Jahandad Khan: The Pakistani pacer grabbed three wickets for Sylhet.
- Iqbal Hossain: The 18-year-old seamer took 2 for 41 for Barishal in his debut against Rangpur.
These young talents highlight the depth and future potential of the league.
Team Performance Summary
| Team | Wins | Losses | Notable Performances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rangpur Riders | 5 | 0 | Alex Hales, Saif Hassan |
| Fortune Barishal | 3 | 1 | Iqbal Hossain |
| Chittagong Kings | 1 | 0 | Usman Khan |
| Sylhet Strikers | 0 | 3 | Jahandad Khan |
| Dhaka Capital | 0 | 4 | Thisara Perera |
| Durbar Rajshahi | 2 | 2 | Taskin Ahmed, Jishan Alam |
What’s Next in the BPL?
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the top teams and standout players. Can Rangpur Riders maintain their unbeaten streak? Will Sylhet and Dhaka bounce back from their struggles?
The competition remains fierce, and every match brings new surprises.