Shakib helps Rangpur consolidate BPL top spot

Shakib Al Hasan finally came up with some significant contribution with both bat and ball as Rangpur Riders retained the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) top spot with a comprehensive 60-run win over Durdanto Dhaka today at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city, report agencies.
Shakib's impressive performance included a blistering knock of 34 runs off 20 balls, featuring three sixes, at a striking rate of 170. He followed up with a stellar bowling display, claiming three wickets while conceding just 16 runs in his four-over spell.
His performance brought relief to Shakib's fans.
Shakib's batting was a cause of concern due to his eye sight problem, which needed treatment several times at home and abroad but the ace all-rounder still found it tough to score runs. However his bowling was so far up to the mark.
It seemed Shakib's struggle with the willow due to his eye sight is now over as the all-rounder blasted a 20 ball-34 with one four and three sixes before claiming 3-16 to single handedly sink Dhaka like the Shakib of his old.
Other Rangpur batters also dazzled around him to steer the side to a respectable 175-4 as Dhaka put them into bat first. Dhaka's decision to bowl first was largely inspired by the stat that batting-first team didn't win BPL match at Mirpur this season.
But Dhaka found them in wrong side in on Tuesday's match as they were severely struggled against Shakib before being all out for paltry 115 in 18 overs. Rangpur now won the both of the matches between the two sides, having crushed Dhaka by 79 runs the first-leg match.
Batting first, Rangpur posted a total of 175 runs for the loss of four wickets. Babar Azam and Rony Talukdar laid a solid foundation with a 67-run opening partnership. Rony contributed 39 runs, while Babar, playing his final match of the season, scored 47.
Mosaddek Hossain was the pick of the bowlers for Dhaka, claiming two crucial wickets.
In response, Dhaka faltered, managing only 155 runs. Mohammad Naim was the top scorer with 44 runs off 31 balls.
With this victory, Rangpur moved closer to securing a spot in the playoffs, while Dhaka suffered their fifth consecutive defeat, significantly diminishing their chances of qualifying for the playoffs.