4.43pm  Right then, the Rangpur Riders have done the double over the Sylhet Strikers in an absolute run-fest where a total of 415 runs were scored. The opening day action in the Sylhet leg of the 2024/25 Bangladesh Premier League isn't done yet. One more game awaits as Fortune Barishal lock horns with Durbar Rajshahi. The clash is set to begin at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT), but be sure to join us earlier for all the build-up. See you then. Cheers!

4.42pm  The captain of Rangpur Riders, Nurul Hasan lauds Alex Hales and Saif Hassan for the way they batted. Mentions that they backed themselves to chase down this target at the halfway mark. Shares that they knew that chasing was the better option on this wicket. Ends by thanking the crowd for their support.

4.40pm  Alex Hales is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his superb showing with the bat. He expresses his satisfaction with the game, enjoying the favourable wicket and short boundaries. He praises Saif Hassan for his brilliant support, highlighting Saif’s confident play against the left-arm spinner and impressive pull shots. Hales appreciates the enthusiastic fan support and the competitive nature of the league in Bangladesh, noting how much he enjoys playing cricket in the country.

4.30pm  Time for the presentation ceremony...

4.28pm  Earlier in the game, after being put into bat, Rony Talukdar gave the Strikers a blazing start. Following his departure, Zakir Hassan ensured the momentum was maintained. At the other end, Aaron Jones initially struggled but found his rhythm as the innings progressed, leading to a flurry of runs from both ends. Jaker Ali provided the finishing touches with a scintillating 5-ball 20, including three sixes, propelling the Strikers to an imposing total of 205. Mohammad Saifuddin was the standout bowler for the Riders, finishing with figures of 2 for 31 from his 4 overs.

4.24pm  In pursuit of 206 runs, the Riders' chase got off to a shaky start with Azizul Hakim Tamim dismissed early, as the Strikers' new-ball bowlers maintained control. However, once Alex Hales and Saif Hassan settled in, they began to dominate, regularly finding the boundary. Initially playing second fiddle in the partnership, Hales eventually took the bull by the horns as he brought up his second BPL fifty off just 54 balls. Ariful Haque was left searching for answers as he shuffled his bowlers in a desperate attempt to regain control, even bringing himself into the attack, but to no avail. Tanzim Hasan Sakib stood out as the lone bright spot, conceding just 23 runs from his 4 overs. The 186-run partnership between Hales and Saif, the fourth-highest in the tournament’s history, proved insurmountable as Sylhet had no answers to their brilliance.

4.21pm  Wow, what a chase! The Rangpur Riders have absolutely demolished the target of 206, leaving the home crowd stunned into silence. With this victory, the Riders have extended their unbeaten run to four wins in four matches in this edition. On the flip side, the Sylhet Strikers have suffered a crushing defeat in their very first game of the home leg, leaving them with plenty to ponder, especially with the ball.