Drivers of Victory: Rangpur Riders Clinch Global Super League Title

In a thrilling conclusion to the Global Super League (GSL) 2024, Rangpur Riders triumphed over Victoria by 56 runs, led by a dedicated performance from Soumya Sarkar, who remained unbeaten on 86, and a half-century from Steven Taylor. This outstanding win marked a triumphant end to a journey marred by uncertainty for the team, who had faced doubts over the participation of key Bangladesh players due to their absence from the ODI squad.

The Rangpur Riders set a strong foundation with their batting, achieving a total of 178/3 in 20 overs. Victoria, however, faced a tough challenge, being bowled out for just 122 in 18.1 overs. Rishad Hossain shone for the Riders, taking not two wickets in the match. On the opposing side, Drakes and Callum Stow led Victoria's scoring efforts with 12 and 33 runs, respectively. The ride to victory for the Rangpur Riders seemed precarious, especially considering the issue surrounding the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the concerns about the eligibility of players like Rishad Hossain, Afif Hossain, and David Davidson Jr. despite their involvement with the Bangladesh ODI squad.

The cricket enthusiasts held their collective breath as Rangpur had threatened to forfeit the final match if they were not allowed to have the players participate in this series. Despite such circumstances, their determination impressed fans and detractors alike as they reached the final, overcoming yet another hurdle in their quest for the title by defeating Providence in Guyana and secured their final victory 56 runs over Victoria. Soumya Sarkar did the talking for Bangladesh with an 86, maintaining an unbroken partnership that proved critical in deciding the eventual outcome.

As Rangpur Riders rode a wave of excellence to the top, their eventual GC victory capped off a series marked by trials and tribulations. It is heartening to see teams pushing forward under adversity, demonstrating unwavering commitment to their objectives. Rangpur Vehicles have, indeed, earned their rightful place atop the leaderboard.