By Anas Ahmed 
Riders Seal Dramatic One-Run Win Over Hurricanes in GSL Classic
In a match that had every twist and turn imaginable, Rangpur Riders narrowly defeated the Hobart Hurricanes by just one run in a final-ball thriller at the Guyana National Stadium, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the Global Super League (GSL) and climbing to the top of the table.
Both teams entered the contest with winning momentum, but it was the Riders who kept their nerve when it mattered most.
Zadran, Mayers Lay the Foundation
After being put in to bat by Hurricanes captain Ben McDermott, Rangpur got off to a steady start, thanks to Ibrahim Zadran’s composed 43 from 31 balls. However, it was Kyle Mayers who took center stage. The West Indian all-rounder smashed an unbeaten 67 off 42 deliveries, hitting 8 boundaries and 2 sixes, surpassing the 4000-run mark in T20s in the process.
While the Riders posted a competitive 151/6, they were pegged back significantly by a superb spell from Usama Mir, who finished with 3/15, providing key breakthroughs and applying pressure through the middle overs.
Hurricanes Fightback and Collapse
The chase began poorly for the Hurricanes as Bhanuka Rajapaksa fell early. But a quickfire partnership of 49 between McDermott and Macalister Wright raised hopes. Just when the Hurricanes seemed in control at 53/2, they suddenly found themselves struggling at 82/5, undone by disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
Nabi and Smith Raise Hopes
Veterans Mohammad Nabi and Odean Smith tried to turn the tide. With 55 needed off the last six overs, Nabi went after Tabraiz Shamsi, hitting 13 in one over. However, Azmatullah Omarzai responded with a brilliant 16th over, conceding just six runs.
Khaled Ahmed struck back by dismissing Smith for 20, and Omarzai bowled another tight over to leave Hurricanes needing 22 off the final 12 balls.
Final Over Drama in Guyana
Nabi struck a six in the penultimate over, but Ahmed’s double strike, removing Fabian Allen and Raf Macmillan, tightened the screws. Hurricanes now required 12 off the final over.
Omarzai returned with the ball. Nabi launched another six but fell for 44 right after. With 3 runs needed off the last delivery, Billy Stanlake was run out attempting a desperate run, sealing a heart-pounding one-run win for Rangpur.
Rangpur Riders now sit atop the GSL 2025 standings with this win, showcasing nerves of steel in a pressure-packed finish. For the Hurricanes, it’s a bitter pill after such a valiant chase, but they’ll take positives in form and fighting spirit.