Rangpur Riders take on Victoria in GSL final

Bangladesh Premier League outfit Rangpur Riders will take on Aussie side Victoria in the final of the Global Super League 2024 at Providence Stadium, Guyana early Saturday morning,

Victoria were already the favourites to make the final after their impressive showing in the first two matches, against Guyana Amazon Warriors and Rangpur Riders.

After losing to Lahore Qalandars, the Corey Anderson-led side beat Hampshire Hawks of England in the penultimate league match and thus claimed the top spot (six points).

Riders, meanwhile, defeated Pakistan Super League side Lahore Qalandars by 23 runs (DLS method) in the rain-affected final league match to finish second on Net Run Rate, ahead of the Warriors, Qalandars, and Hawks. Riders, Warriors and Qalandars have four points each, while Hawks managed a couple (two points for one win).

Batting first in a rain-shortened 9-over match, Rangpur posted a strong 85 for 1. Lahore was set a revised target of 111 but could only manage 87 for 7, falling short despite a spirited fightback. Rangpur's openers, Soumya Sarkar and Steven Taylor, continued their aggressive form, giving the team a flying start. The opening over produced 14 runs, and Soumya smashed two consecutive boundaries off Asif Afridi before being bowled for 22 off 13 balls. Taylor anchored the innings with a composed 32 off 27 balls, while Saif Hasan added a crucial 27 off 14, hitting four boundaries and a six. Defending 111, Mehidy Hasan set the tone with a sensational first over, claiming three wickets, including a run-out and two dismissals in consecutive deliveries. He returned in his second over to dismiss Mohammad Akhlaq, despite conceding two boundaries in his final two deliveries. Lahore's Tom Abell provided a glimmer of hope, smashing four consecutive boundaries off Rishad Hossain in one over.

 However, Jack Chappell dismissed Abell for 25 off 12, halting the momentum. Kamrul Islam Rabbi delivered the decisive blow by removing Mirza Baig (31), who had kept Lahore in contention.

With three teams, including Rangpur, tied on four points, net run rate proved crucial in determining the finalists. Rangpur emerged ahead, earning a place in the championship match. The Riders will now face Victoria for the coveted GSL title.



Victoria vs Rangpur Riders Squads

Victoria: Blake Macdonald, Jahmar Hamilton, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Jonathan Wells, Scott Edwards (wk), Corey Anderson (c), Dominic Drakes, Karima Gore, Callum Stow, Max Birthisel, Jackson Smith, Joe Clarke, Juanoy Drysdale, Carmi le Roux, and David Moody.

Rangpur Riders: Steven Taylor, Soumya Sarkar, Saif Hassan, Wayne Madsen, Mahedi Hasan, Nurul Hasan (c & wk), Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Harmeet Singh, Zak Chappell, Kamrul Islam, Khushdil Shah, Arafat Sunny, Mohammad Saifuddin, and Matthew Forde