By Tim Douglas 
Riders Stay Unbeaten with Nail-Biting Win Over Dubai Capitals in GSL Clash
In a fiercely contested morning fixture at the Guyana National Stadium, defending champions Rangpur Riders kept their unbeaten streak alive with a dramatic 8-run victory over the Dubai Capitals, punching their ticket to the 2025 Global Super League (GSL) Final.
The Riders, who had already claimed two narrow victories earlier in the tournament, held their nerve once again under pressure, showcasing grit and championship mentality to secure their third consecutive win and top the points table.
Late Flourish Lifts Riders to Competitive Total
Opting to bat first, Nurul Hasan’s side faced stiff resistance early but rallied brilliantly in the death overs. The skipper himself played a captain’s knock, smashing two consecutive sixes off the final over to finish unbeaten on 34 off just 18 balls.
Iftikhar Ahmed, who was later named Player of the Match, provided the backbone with a measured yet impactful 41 not out off 32 deliveries, guiding the Riders to 158/5—a total that proved just enough.
Dubai Capitals shared the bowling load across seven bowlers, with Shakib Al Hasan impressing yet again, returning 1 for 16 in his four overs, containing the powerful Riders lineup at critical moments.
Capitals Collapse After Mid-Innings Promise
In reply, Dubai Capitals were in early trouble at 7/2, but a mini-recovery saw them reach 71/3 at the halfway stage. Their chase, however, unraveled after the 10th over.
Rakibul Hasan turned the game with a pivotal double strike—removing a dangerous Shakib Al Hasan (stumped) and trapping Sediqullah Ata in front—leaving Dubai floundering at 85/6.
Despite late fireworks from Dominic Drakes and Qais Ahmed, the target of 159 proved just out of reach. A flurry of boundaries narrowed the gap, but consistent wickets meant the Capitals never quite gained full control.
Capitals Crash Out, Riders March On
With this third loss on the trot, the Capitals’ hopes of reaching the final are now mathematically over. Meanwhile, Rangpur Riders, with nerves of steel and a balanced unit, head into the final as strong contenders to lift back-to-back titles.
Anas Ahmed