DHAKA, Jan 17, 2026 (BSS) - Contrasting half-centuries from openers Dawid 
Malan and Towhid Hridoy powered Rangpur Riders to an 11-run victory over 
Dhaka Capitals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today, 
confirming their place in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) playoffs as the 
final qualifying team.

Despite the win, Rangpur are set to play the Eliminator against Sylhet 
Titans, with Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals having already secured 
the top two spots on the points table.

Former England opener Malan starred with a fluent 78 off 49 balls, an innings 
laced with eight fours and four sixes. 

Hridoy, in contrast, went through a scratchy knock. He survived three chances 
and struggled for timing for much of his stay but still managed a crucial 62 
off 46 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes.

Together, they added a record 126 runs for the opening wicket, Rangpur's 
highest opening partnership in BPL history, surpassing the previous best of 
124 set by Soumya Sarkar and Steven Taylor.
 
The stand laid the platform for Rangpur to post a competitive 181-4.
Rangpur then leaned on their bowlers, led by a venomous spell from fast 
bowler Nahid Rana, who returned outstanding figures of 3-11.
 
Nahid dismantled Dhaka's middle order, dismissing Saif Hassan and Sabbir 
Rahman in his first spell before coming back to remove skipper Mohammad 
Mithun for 25, leaving Dhaka reeling at 99 for 6 in the 14th over.
 
Although Mohammad Saifuddin mounted a late counterattack with an unbeaten 58 
off 30 balls, support from the other end was minimal and his effort 
ultimately proved in vain as Dhaka were restricted to 170-7.

Earlier, Fahim Ashraf also played his part for Rangpur by claiming 2-43 to 
check Dhaka's top order.

Saifuddin contributed with the ball as well, taking 2-33 to prevent Rangpur 
from pushing past the 200-run mark despite their strong start.
 
Kyle Mayers was the only other Rangpur batter to make a notable contribution, 
scoring 24 off 16 balls, while the rest of the lineup failed to reach double 
figures.