Noakhali Express vs Rangpur Riders Highlights, 20th Match | Jan 09: NOE Edge Past RAR by 9 runs in Thriller

NOE vs RAR 20th BPL Match Highlights saw Noakhali Express edge out Rangpur Riders by 9 runs at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 149, Rangpur Riders managed 139/9 in their allotted 20 overs, leaving Noakhali with a crucial victory that moves them to 6th on the points table while Rangpur remain in 2nd. The match highlighted disciplined bowling and timely contributions in a low-scoring contest.

Rangpur Riders, after winning the toss, opted to field first on a pitch that offered some early movement. Noakhali Express started cautiously but gradually built momentum through the middle overs. Soumya Sarkar and Habibur Rahman Sohan provided a steady platform, while Jaker Ali’s 38 from 37 deliveries anchored the innings during the late overs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Noakhali managed 148 runs, with Mahidul Islam Ankon contributing a brisk 28 toward the end.

Noakhali’s bowling maintained pressure from the outset, with Hasan Mahmud claiming four wickets and Zahir Khan chipping in with two crucial dismissals. The team managed to keep Rangpur’s scoring under control in the powerplay and middle overs, breaking partnerships whenever the chase looked threatening. The disciplined lengths and effective variations prevented the opposition from accelerating freely, particularly in the final five overs.

Rangpur Riders made an early dent with Dawid Malan and Litton Das providing starts, but key wickets fell at critical junctures. Iftikhar Ahmed’s 37 kept the chase alive, supported by Towhid Hridoy’s 29. However, Hasan Mahmud’s relentless bowling and timely breakthroughs ensured that the Riders never fully recovered, falling short by nine runs despite a late flurry from Khushdil Shah.

Tactical adaptability was evident in Noakhali’s utilization of their frontline bowlers in short, intense spells. Mrittunjoy Chowdhury’s hat-trick at the death nearly swung the momentum, highlighting the impact of attacking strategies in T20 cricket. The team showed depth despite minor collapses, ensuring that the target set was defendable.

Toss Winner

Rangpur Riders won the toss and went straight to fielding first.

Key Moment

Mrittunjoy Chowdhury’s hat-trick in the final over of Noakhali’s innings, which removed Mahidul Islam Ankon, Zahir Khan, and Bilal Sami consecutively, proved decisive by restricting the final total and shifting pressure onto Rangpur early in their chase.

Star Performer / MVP

Hasan Mahmud defined the match with a four-wicket haul, including crucial scalps in the middle and death overs, maintaining a controlled economy while breaking key partnerships.

Noakhali Express vs Rangpur Riders Match Summary

NOE vs RAR Playing XI

Noakhali Express: Shahadat Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Jaker Ali, Mohammad Nabi, Haider Ali, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Hasan Mahmud, Zahir Khan, Bilal Sami

Rangpur Riders: Dawid Malan, Litton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mahmudullah, Khushdil Shah, Nurul Hasan, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Sufiyan Muqeem, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana