Fizz’s death-bowling brilliance seals 5-run win for Rangpur

Cutter master Mustafizur Rahman delivered a clinical death-bowling performance to guide Rangpur Riders to a thrilling five-run victory over Dhaka Capitals at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, helping his side climb to second place on BPL points table.

Defending a modest total of 155, Mustafizur turned the match on its head in the closing stages.

He conceded just two runs in the 18th over while dismissing Shamim Hossain and then calmly defended 10 runs across the final overs, giving away only four runs in his penultimate over to seal the narrow win.

Put in to bat, Rangpur Riders recovered strongly after a shaky start to post 155 for five in their 20 overs.

The top order collapsed early as Kyle Mayers, Litton Das and Towhid Hridoy were dismissed inside the powerplay, leaving Rangpur struggling at 30 for three.

A steady 74-run partnership between Dawid Malan and Mahmudullah revived the innings. Malan scored 33, while Mahmudullah continued his fine form with his second successive half-century, making 51 to provide stability through the middle overs.

Khushdil Shah then accelerated late in the innings, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 21 balls. His aggressive knock, which included four boundaries and two sixes, powered Rangpur to 49 runs in the final four overs.

In reply, Dhaka Capitals began positively with a 54-run opening stand between Rahmanullah Gurbaz (31 off 22 balls) and Abdullah Al Mamun (20 off 18).

Mohammad Mithun and Saif Hassan added another 53 runs for the third wicket, with Mithun reaching his first half-century of the season in just 31 balls. He remained unbeaten on 56 from 38 deliveries.

Despite having six wickets in hand, Dhaka faltered under pressure as Mustafizur tightened the screws in the death overs. His dismissal of Shamim Hossain at a crucial moment and disciplined bowling at the end proved decisive.

Although Sabbir Rahman struck a late four and six off Akif Javed, Rangpur’s bowlers held their nerve to restrict Dhaka to 150, falling five runs short.