Soumya Sarkar's Batting Power Not Enough for Rangpur Riders in Global Super League Loss

Even on a day of dominant batting from Soumya Sarkar, Rangpur Riders failed to secure a victory in the Global Super League. After losing to Hampshire in a dramatic super over in the previous match, Rangpur came close to a win against Cricket Victoria today but ultimately lost by 10 runs. Despite scoring a half-century, Soumya’s efforts couldn’t prevent the team's defeat. Rangpur now finds themselves at the bottom of the table with two consecutive losses.

In the first innings, Bangladesh's bowlers put in a controlled performance, limiting Victoria to just 151 runs in 20 overs. Rangpur's chase started promisingly, with opener Soumya Sarkar showing his aggressive form from the outset. By the 12th over, Rangpur had reached 101 for 2, needing just 51 runs from the final 48 balls.

However, despite the simple equation of needing 51 runs from 48 balls with 8 wickets in hand, Rangpur faltered in the closing overs. They lost Afif, Soumya, and Sohan in quick succession, losing momentum. Khushdil Shah could only muster 15 runs from 14 balls with a slow strike rate. In the end, Rangpur’s innings ended at 141/7, falling short by 10 runs as Victoria secured a thrilling victory.

Earlier, with the ball, leg-spinner Rishad Hossain was the standout performer for Rangpur, taking 2 wickets for 23 runs in 4 overs. Another Bangladesh spinner, Sheikh Mehedi Hasan, also picked up 2 wickets. Fast bowler Kamrul Islam Rabbi claimed 1 wicket.

Chasing a target of 152 for their first win in the Global Super League, Rangpur Riders got off to a solid start, with the opening pair adding 51 runs. Steven Taylor made 26 runs before being dismissed, but Soumya continued to lead the charge. Afif Hossain Dhruv’s reverse sweep led to his dismissal for 10 runs.

After Afif’s departure, Soumya was joined by captain Nurul Hasan Sohan. Soumya reached his fifty off 39 balls, with 4 boundaries and 2 sixes. However, after scoring 51 runs, Soumya was dismissed, and Rangpur’s chase fell apart.