Faheem, Litton shine as Rangpur dominate Chattogram

Rangpur Riders put in a dominating performance in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) opener against Chattogram Royals to pick up a seven-wicket win at Sylhet International Stadium on Monday.

Faheem Ashraf was the star of the show for Rangpur, picking up a fifer for 17 runs in 3.5 overs as Chattogram were bowled out for 102.

Chattogram innings did not get off to the best of starts when Nahid Rana accounted for Adam Rossington in the first over. Naim Sheikh went on the attack to Rana, picking up 21 runs in the third over with three fours and a six.

Mustafizur Rahman, who returned to BPL action following his stint in IL T20 made his impact felt, his cutter inside-edged onto the stumps by Naim after a 20-ball 39.

Faheem picked up Mahfijul Islam for 1 in his second over before picking up two more wickets in his next over – the 11th of the innings – including that of Chattogram skipper Mahedi Hasan for 1. He would complete a fifer in the 18th over after picking up Shoriful Islam's wicket.

In reply, Rangpur were solid as Dawid Malan and Litton Das put on a 91-run opening stand. Litton looked fluent early and then picked up 24 runs off a Joy over with three sixes and a four to keep Rangpur on the prowl. Litton fell for 47 off 31 to Mukidul Islam, who also accounted for Tawhid Hridoy cheaply.

Malan exhibited control during a 48-ball 51 before perishing to Joy with Rangpur near victory. Khushdil would seal the win with a six off Joy as Rangpur finished chase with five overs remaining.