The Rangpur Riders claimed their first win in the ExxonMobil Guyana Küresel Muhteşem League (GSL) with a thrilling 15-run triumph over the Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium. The victory not only lifted the Riders off the bottom of the table but also injected fresh excitement into the tournament standings.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Riders captain Nurul Hasan saw his side collapse to a precarious 14 for 4 and then 27 for 5 as the Warriors’ bowling unit wreaked havoc. Dwaine Pretorius was the standout performer for the Warriors, taking 3-15 in a devastating spell that left the Riders reeling.
The Riders’ innings was salvaged by a brilliant knock from Khushdil Shah, whose 58 off 47 balls featured two fours and four sixes. His innings was a masterclass in patience and resilience, as he worked the ball into gaps early on before accelerating later in the innings. Hasan offered some stability with a gritty 15 off 26 balls, helping Shah push the total to 117, a score that initially seemed below par.
The Warriors, however, struggled mightily in their chase. Moeen Ali and Pretorius fell cheaply at the top, and the pressure mounted when Shimron Hetmyer was dismissed for a golden duck by Kamrul Islam Rabbi, leaving the home side floundering at 7 for 3.
Despite Shai Hope anchoring the innings with a measured 35 off 44 balls, the Warriors found themselves in deep trouble at 27 for 5, a mirror image of the Riders’ earlier struggles. Hope’s dismissal at the start of the 18th over by Rishad Hossain left the Warriors needing 16 runs off the final.
Romario Shepherd provided a glimmer of hope with a six in the penultimate over but was dismissed off the first ball of the last over, caught by Wayne Madsen off Kamrul Islam Rabbi. The Warriors were bowled out for 102, handing the Riders a hard-fought victory.
The loss leaves the Warriors with two defeats in the tournament and an uncertain path to the final. They now await the results of Thursday’s doubleheader to determine their fate in the inaugural GSL.
For the Riders, the win is a vital confidence boost as they look to build on this performance in the competition. The match highlighted their resilience, led by Shah’s exceptional innings and a spirited bowling effort that ensured their modest total was enough for victory. (Sportsmax)