Pakistan spinners shine for Rangpur Riders despite Noakhali’s win

Pakistan spinners impressed in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) despite ending up on the losing side. Representing Rangpur Riders, Sufiyan Muqeem, Khushdil Shah, and Iftikhar Ahmed were incredible in their respective roles before Noakhali Express came from behind to win the game by just nine runs.

Khushdil’s clinical outings

Khushdil Shah has been particularly clinical with both bat and ball throughout the league. Against Noakhali Express, he picked up a couple of scalps for 27 runs in his four-over spell as well as smashed a quick 24 off just 16 balls. He has the second-highest strike rate in this edition of the league among players who have scored at least 100 runs.

Sufiyan Muqeem, who played his second BPL game on Friday, bagged one wicket for 29 runs. While Iftikhar Ahmed did not get a wicket in the solitary over he bowled, he was Rangpur’s top-scorer. The 35-year-old scored 37 off 31 balls, including six boundaries. This was Iftikhar’s first BPL game, and by the looks of it, he could prove to be a valuable addition for Rangpur Riders.

Noakhali’s comeback for ages

Rangpur looked well set in their chase of 149 runs, needing just 15 off the last over. However, Hasan Mahmud proved too good for them. The young pacer struck thrice in the last over and conceded only five runs, effectively stifling Rangpur’s chances. 

ALSO READ: Rain washes out second T20I between Sri Lanka and Pakistan- IPL