Rangpur Riders edge Hobart Hurricanes in thriller to stay unbeaten in Global Super League

Defending champions Rangpur Riders made it two wins from two in the Global Super League, claiming a nail-biting 1-run victory over Hobart Hurricanes to move to the top of the points table.

Batting first, Rangpur posted 151 for 6, anchored by a superb unbeaten 67 from West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers. Coming in at a challenging phase, Mayers faced 42 balls, striking 8 fours and 2 sixes to rescue the innings. Afghan opener Ibrahim Zadran gave them an aggressive start with 43 from 31 deliveries.

But the momentum stalled in the middle overs thanks to a brilliant spell from Pakistan leg-spinner Usama Mir, who took 3 for 15 in 4 overs, putting Rangpur under pressure. However, Mayers counterattacked in the death overs, adding 54 runs in the final 5 overs to ensure a competitive total that would prove decisive.

In reply, Hobart Hurricanes began steadily with contributions from Ben McDermott (34) and Odean Smith (20). But it was veteran Afghan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi who nearly took them over the line with a composed 44 off 36 balls.

The Hurricanes needed 41 runs from the last 5 overs. Nabi struck a vital six, reducing the equation to 6 runs off the final over. But Azmatullah Omarzai removed Nabi with a clever delivery on the fourth ball of the over, swinging the momentum back to Rangpur.

Hobart needed 3 runs from the last ball, but could manage only a single before Billy Stanlake was run out attempting the second run, sealing a dramatic 1-run win for Rangpur.

Bangladeshi pacer Khaled Ahmed once again starred with the ball for Rangpur, claiming 4 for 26 in his 4 overs—his second four-wicket haul in as many matches. Iftikhar Ahmed also chipped in with 2 for 13.

With this win, Rangpur Riders sit atop the table with two consecutive victories. Hobart Hurricanes, meanwhile, drop to third with one win and one defeat.