|| CF DESK ||

Rangpur Riders bowler Hasan Mahmud praised Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, who arrived to play in the 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) yesterday [Monday], for his match-winning knock.

Babar made an immediate impact as his unbeaten half-century played a crucial role in Rangpur securing a four-wicket victory against Sylhet Sixers in the opening match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today [Tuesday].

The right-handed batter turned up for the match and rescued his side from a top-order collapse, along with player-of-the-match Azmatullah Omarzai.

In the face of adversity at 39-6, they steadied the ship and added 86 runs in an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership, guiding Rangpur Riders to a total of 125 for six in 18.2 overs in response to Sylhet Strikers' 120 for eight in 20 overs.

“I would say he (Babar) played well. He read the game situation and played his role today. Wickets were falling from one side and he was giving his best. He was taking singles continuously and it settled the game,” said Hasan after the match.

Babar scored an unbeaten 56 off 49 balls with six boundaries, while Azmatullah remained not out on 47 off 35, featuring two fours and three sixes.