In a nail-biting encounter in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024, Rangpur Riders secured a thrilling win against Sylhet Strikers, with former Pakistan captain Babar Azam stealing the spotlight with an impressive fifty.
The excitement reached its peak when Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan, exuding confidence, announced Babar Azam’s inclusion in the playing XI during the toss, declaring, “Certainly, King Babar is set for the match.” This move set the stage for a remarkable performance that ultimately propelled Rangpur to a memorable victory.
Following the decision to bat first, Sylhet Strikers encountered a challenging innings, managing to accumulate only 120 runs while losing eight wickets.
A noteworthy highlight unfolded during the final over when Babar Azam, positioned at the boundary, showcased exceptional athleticism. He swiftly sprinted in, retrieved the ball, and delivered a precise throw to dismiss Dushan Hemantha, leaving a lasting impression on the field.
The stadium buzzed with excitement as Babar Azam made his entrance onto the field, greeted by an enthusiastic welcome from fervent cricket fans. The audience burst into lively chants of ‘Babar Babar,’ emphasizing their deep admiration for the cricket sensation.
As the Rangpur Riders embarked on their chase, they encountered a formidable challenge, losing six wickets with only 39 runs on the scoreboard.
Babar Azam and Azmatullah Omarzai teamed up to forge a game-changing partnership of 89 runs, ultimately steering the Rangpur Riders to triumph in a closely contested match. Their resilient collaboration and proficient batting secured a thrilling victory by 4 wickets, reaching the target in 18.2 overs.
Babar Azam played a pivotal, unbeaten role, crafting a well-executed 56 runs from 49 deliveries, including six boundaries, boasting a striking rate of 114.28.
