Powered by a strong batting display and a game-changing spell from Mehedi Hasan, Rangpur outclassed Dhaka to secure a commanding victory.

Batting first after losing the toss, Rangpur posted a formidable 191/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Despite a shaky start that saw them lose both openers, Steven Taylor and Alex Hales, with just 20 runs on the board, the middle order stepped up.

Saif Hassan and Iftikhar Ahmed stabilized the innings with an 89-run partnership. Saif scored 40 off 33 balls, while Iftikhar top-scored with 49 off 38 balls, hitting eight boundaries.

Khushdil Shah and captain Nurul Hasan Sohan provided a late flourish, adding 41 runs for the sixth wicket. Khushdil smashed an unbeaten 46 off 23 balls with three fours and three sixes, while Sohan played a quickfire cameo of 25 off 11 balls.

Alauddin Babu was Dhaka’s standout bowler, taking 3-43, with Mukidul Islam chipping in with two wickets.

In response, Dhaka Capitals began their chase strongly, with openers Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das putting up a 52-run stand. Tanzid scored 30 off 21 balls, while Litton contributed 31 off 27. However, the introduction of Mehedi turned the tide in Rangpur’s favor.

Mehedi’s brilliant spell dismantled Dhaka’s batting lineup as he claimed 4 wickets for just 27 runs. He dismissed Tanzid and Habibur Rahman in quick succession, followed by the crucial scalps of Litton and Farmaanullah Safi. Mehedi’s strikes left Dhaka reeling, losing four wickets for just 10 runs.

Captain Thisara Perera attempted a counterattack with two sixes and a four, but Kamrul Islam Rabbi dismissed him to extinguish any hopes of a comeback.

Khushdil Shah and Rakibul Hasan cleaned up the lower order, with Khushdil taking two wickets, including the dismissal of Stephen Eskinazi, who was Dhaka’s last hope.

Dhaka eventually managed only 151/9 in their 20 overs. Mukidul Islam and Nazmul Hossain Apu added 23 runs for the last wicket to reduce the margin of defeat.