Rajshahi snap Rangpur's winning streak

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 23 (BSS): Rangpur Riders' eight-match winning streak in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) finally came to an end when they tasted a 24-run defeat to Durbar Rajshahi at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here on Thursday.

Despite the defeat, Rangpur still top the point table with 16 points from nine matches. Nurul Hasan Sohan-led side was bowled out for 146 in 19.2 overs after Rajshahi put up 170-9, thanks to a blistering 32 ball-60 from Yasir Ali Chowdhury.

Saif Hassan and skipper Sohan were the only two to make some resistance amid a disciplined bowling effort of Rajshahi, led by its captain Taskin Ahmed.

The fast bowler ended with 2-22, to take his wicket-tally to 22 in this season, meaning he needs only two wickets to eclipse Shakib Al Hasan as the highest wicket-taker for a season of BPL.

But Ryan Burl was the highest wicket-taker for Rajshahi in this match with 4-22, which was his career-best bowling figure in this format. Burl took the crucial wicket of Sohan before taking out Mohammad Saifuddin to throw Rangpur out of the game.

Rangpur made a disastrous start, being reduced to 15-3 after losing the likes of Steven Taylor, Irfan Shukkur and Iftikhar Ahmed-all for single digit figure.

The crisis further deepened when Sabbir Hossain got the better of in form Khushdil Shah for 14. Saif Hassan who kept the runs flowing amid the wickets tumbling was dismissed by Shafiul Islam after making team-high 29 ball-43 with five fours and two sixes.