Rangpur advance to GSL T20 final after rain-hit victory over Lahore

Rangpur Riders have bounced back after two early losses, securing a place in the final of the inaugural Global Super League with a dramatic victory over Lahore Qalandars.

In the rain-impacted match in Guyana, Rangpur posted 85 runs for 1 wicket in 9 overs.

According to the DLS method, Lahore's target was set at 111 runs, but the Pakistan-based side faltered, finishing on just 87 runs for 7 wickets, handing the Riders a 23-run win.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Rangpur's openers were quick to seize the initiative.

Soumya Sarkar, in particular, was explosive, smashing 22 runs off 13 balls. Saif Hassan also played a vital role, remaining unbeaten on 27 from 14 balls, while Steven Taylor added 32 runs from 27 balls.

Lahore's chase began disastrously, with their top order crumbling under the pressure of Rangpur's sharp bowling attack.

In the first over of the chase, Lahore lost 3 wickets off consecutive balls, and their innings fell apart further as they were reduced to 14 runs for 4 wickets.

Sheikh Mahedi was the architect of Lahore's downfall, taking 3 wickets in just 2 overs, leaving Lahore in disarray.

Mirza Baig, Tom Abel, and Fahim Ashraf provided some resistance, with Baig scoring 31 from 20 balls and Abel contributing 25 from 12 balls.

Ashraf was not out on 18 from 9 balls. However, despite their spirited efforts, Lahore could not recover, finishing with 87 runs for 7 wickets.

Mehedi's brilliance with the ball was backed by a controlled performance from Jack Chappell, who took 2 wickets.

With this win, Rangpur sealed their place in the final, where they will meet Victoria, the Australian side, on 7 December at 5:00 AM Bangladesh time.

Brief Scores:

Rangpur Riders: 9 overs 85/1 (Taylor 32*, Saif 27*, Soumya 22; Mirza 1/12).

Lahore Qalandars: (Target 111 in 9 overs) 9 overs 87/7 (Mirza 31, Abel 25; Mehedi 3/11, Chappell 2/17).

Result: Rangpur Riders won by 23 runs (DLS method).

Man of the Match: Steven Taylor.