DHAKA, July 12, 2025 (BSS)—Defending Champions Rangpur Riders made a solid start to the Global Super League (GSL) T20 by clinching a thrilling 8-run victory over Guyana Amazon Warriors at Providence Stadium in Guyana yesterday.

Fast bowler Syed Khaled Ahmed was key behind the victory, claiming 4-36 in his four overs. His excellent spell was instrumental in bowling out Guyana for 154 as they were chasing a target of 163.

Electing to bat first, Rangpur, a franchise of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), put up 162-5, with their Caribbean recruit Kyle Mayers hammering team-best 44 off 31. Mayers struck three fours and two sixes.

Mayers paced the innings after Soumya  Sarkar and Saif Hasan made slow start to the innings. Soumya scored a painstaking 36 ball-35 while Saif Hasan made a run-a-ball-18.

As Mayers kept the scoreboard ticking, Rangpur tasted a hiccup when Azmatullah Omarzai and Yasir Ali Rabbi were removed for a single digit figure.

However, captain Nurul Hasan Sohan made 18 off 10 and Pakistan recruit Iftikhar Ahmed smashed 21 ball-34 not out to help the side propel past 160.
Imran Tahir and Gudakesh Motie scalped two wickets apiece for Guyana.

Guyana got a rapid start thanks to Johnson Charles and Moeen Ali before Khaled appeared into the stage to rip through the batting line up.

He was ably supported by Azmatullah Omarzai and Tabraiz Shamsi who both took two wickets.

Charles with 40 was the highest scorer for Guyana while Moeen Ali made 27.

Rangpur will take on Dubai Capitals on July 16 in their next match.

This year’s GSL will welcome five powerhouse franchises from across the cricketing world. Apart from Rangpur, the other teams are Dubai Capitals (UAE ILT20 Champions), Central Stags (New Zealand—Super Smash Champions), Guyana Amazon Warriors (West Indies—Caribbean Premier League champions), Hobart Hurricanes (Australia—Big Bash Champions).

Last year’s tournament, staged at the Providence Stadium in Guyana, witnessed the Rangpur Riders’ triumph over Australia’s Cricket Victoria in a thrilling final, cementing their place in GSL history.