Sylhet, December 27, 2025:

Rangpur Riders continued their strong start to the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Chattogram Royals in the fifth match of the tournament at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. It was a one-sided contest where Rangpur's disciplined bowling and composed batting left the Royals with plenty to reflect on as the league phase begins to take shape.

Chattogram Royals were asked to bat first after losing the toss, and their innings never really settled. From the opening overs, Rangpur Riders' bowlers found movement and rhythm, making scoring difficult. Mohammad Naim tried to counter the pressure with an aggressive approach, playing a lively knock that briefly lifted the Royals' tempo. His 39 off just 20 balls included clean strokes and confident intent, but the lack of support from the other end meant the momentum was short-lived.

As wickets kept falling at regular intervals, Chattogram struggled to build any meaningful partnerships. Mirza Baig chipped in with a small contribution, but the middle order failed to readjust once the initial aggression faded. The Royals' batting line-up looked under pressure against accurate bowling and smart field placements. Eventually, they were bowled out for 102 in 17.5 overs, a total that always seemed below par on a surface that offered value for shots once batters settled in.

The standout performer with the ball was Faheem Ashraf, who delivered a spell that completely changed the tone of the match. Mixing pace with control, he picked up five wickets for just 17 runs, striking at crucial moments to dismantle the Royals' batting order. His ability to break partnerships and keep the scoring in check ensured Chattogram never found a way back. He was well supported by Mustafizur Rahman, whose variations added pressure and resulted in key breakthroughs, further tightening Rangpur's grip on the game.

With a modest target to chase, Rangpur Riders approached their innings with calm assurance. Openers Dawid Malan and Liton Das wasted no time in asserting control, rotating the strike early before finding boundaries with ease. Their partnership of 91 runs all but sealed the contest, allowing Rangpur to chase without risk. Malan played the role of anchor, showing patience and experience as he compiled a steady half-century, while Liton brought flair and aggression, striking the ball cleanly and keeping the required run rate comfortably in check.

The Royals' bowlers tried to fight back, but the total on the board offered little room for error. Once Liton departed after an entertaining innings, Rangpur were already in complete control. Malan stayed composed until the job was nearly done, and the remaining batters finished the chase without fuss. Rangpur reached the target in just 15 overs, winning with five overs to spare and underlining their dominance on the night.

This result gives Rangpur Riders valuable early momentum in the BPL 2025-26 season. Their balance as a side was evident, with bowlers setting the foundation and batters finishing clinically. Faheem Ashraf's all-round presence, especially his match-winning spell, will be a major boost as the tournament progresses. The opening partnership also sent a clear message to other teams that Rangpur's top order is capable of making light work of pressure situations.

For Chattogram Royals, the defeat exposed clear areas that need attention. Their batting lacked depth and adaptability, particularly after losing early wickets. While individual flashes of brilliance were visible, the absence of partnerships proved costly. Going forward, they will need more stability and better shot selection to post competitive totals. The bowlers, too, were left with little margin for error and will hope for stronger backing from the batting unit in upcoming matches.

Overall, the fifth match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 highlighted Rangpur Riders' early intent to challenge for the top spots, while Chattogram Royals were reminded of the standards required to compete consistently in this fast-paced tournament. With many matches still to come, both teams will take lessons from this encounter as the race for playoff positions begins to intensify.