The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 witnessed a spectacular showdown between Rangpur Riders and Sylhet Strikers on January 6, 2025. The high-scoring affair at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium kept fans on the edge of their seats, culminating in a remarkable chase by the Riders.

Also Read : Nurpur Lions vs UMT Markhors Match Highlights Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup 2024/25

Date	January 6, 2025
Venue	Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
Tournament	Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25
Match	Sylhet Strikers vs. Rangpur Riders
Toss	Rangpur Riders, elected to field first
Player Of The Match	Alex Hales
Result	Rangpur won by 8 wickets (with 6 balls remaining)

The match was a testament to the batting prowess prevalent in the BPL. Sylhet’s top order laid a solid foundation, but the bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught from Hales and Hassan. The Riders’ successful chase highlighted their depth and resilience, making a significant statement in the tournament.

Sylhet Strikers, batting first, set an imposing target of 205 runs for the loss of four wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Rony Talukdar led the charge with a brisk 54 off 32 balls, supported by Zakir Hasan’s 50 and Aaron Jones’ 38. In response, Rangpur Riders showcased a masterclass in chasing, with Alex Hales smashing an unbeaten 113 off 56 balls and Saif Hassan contributing 80 off 49. The Riders achieved the target in 18.4 overs, losing just two wickets.

Rangpur Riders

• Strengths: Explosive batting lineup capable of chasing big totals; strong opening partnerships.
• Weaknesses: Bowling attack conceded over 200 runs, indicating areas for improvement.

Sylhet Strikers

• Strengths: Solid top-order batting with multiple contributors; ability to set competitive totals.
• Weaknesses: Bowling unit lacked penetration against aggressive batting; field placements and strategies under pressure need reassessment.

Rangpur Riders

• Alex Hales: His unbeaten 113 off 56 balls, featuring 10 fours and 7 sixes, was instrumental in the successful chase.
• Saif Hassan : Played a pivotal role with his 80 off 49 balls, complementing Hales perfectly.

Sylhet Strikers

• Rony Talukdar : Set the tone for Sylhet with a quickfire 54, ensuring a formidable total.

• Alex Hales: In sublime form; his aggressive batting at the top is a significant asset.
• Saif Hassan: Consistent performances make him a crucial part of the batting lineup.
• Rony Talukdar: His ability to provide explosive starts is vital for Sylhet’s success.
• Zakir Hasan: A dependable middle-order batsman capable of anchoring the innings

The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium pitch favored batsmen, evident from the high scores. Evening dew made bowling challenging, especially in the second innings, aiding the chasing side.

Rangpur Riders

• Batting: Capitalized on powerplay overs; maintained an aggressive approach throughout.
• Bowling: Need to focus on death-over strategies to restrict opponents effectively.

Sylhet Strikers

• Batting: Built a strong total with calculated aggression.
• Bowling: Must revisit bowling plans, especially against in-form batsmen like Hales.

• Umpires: Asif Yaqoob
• Third Umpire: Moniruzzaman
• Match Referee: Akhtar Ahmad
• TV Umpires: Tanvir Ahmed
• Reserve Umpire: Ali Imran

The Bangladesh Premier League matches are broadcast live on various sports networks and streaming platforms. Fans can check local listings for specific channels and online services.

The encounter between Rangpur Riders and Sylhet Strikers was a showcase of high-quality T20 cricket, with exceptional batting displays. Rangpur’s successful chase of a daunting target underscores their championship credentials, while Sylhet will look to bounce back and address their bowling concerns in upcoming matches.