Hridoy, Khushdil, Akif's heroics go in vain as Warriors crush Riders in BPL clash

SYLHET: Khushdil Shah and Akif Javed's impressive performances went in vain as Rajshahi Warriors thumped Rangpur Riders in the 21st match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Batting first, Rangpur Riders posted 178-4 in their 20 overs, led by opener Towhid Hridoy, who top-scored with a brilliant unbeaten 97 off 56 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. 

Khushdil Shah also played a fiery innings down the order, scoring 44 off 29 deliveries with four boundaries and three sixes.

For the Warriors, Sandeep Lamichhane, James Neesham, Ripon Mondol, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up one wicket each.

In reply, Rajshahi Warriors chased down the target comfortably, losing just three wickets in the final delivery of the 20th over, thanks to vital knocks from Muhammad Waseem and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. 

Waseem remained unbeaten with 87 off 59 balls, featuring seven fours and four sixes, while Shanto scored 76 off 42 deliveries, hitting six fours and four sixes.

For Rangpur Riders, Akif Javed led the bowling attack, taking two wickets for 43 in four overs, with Mustafizur Rahman also claiming a wicket.