Kyle Mayers’ brilliant unbeaten 67 laid the foundation for the Rangpur Riders’ thrilling one-run victory over the Hobart Hurricanes in the Global Super League at Providence Stadium on Sunday, in a match that went down to the final ball.

The left-hander struck 67 not out off 42 balls, lacing eight fours and two sixes, to guide Rangpur to 151 for 6 from their 20 overs. It was a composed, aggressive innings that proved decisive on a surface that offered enough to keep bowlers interested throughout.

Mayers’ knock was supported by Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed a solid 43 off 31 balls at the top of the order. Their contributions made up the bulk of the scoring, with wickets falling regularly around them. Usama Mir was the standout bowler for the Hurricanes, taking 3 for 15 in four clinical overs, while Fabian Allen picked up 2 for 38.

In reply, Hobart Hurricanes fell just short, bowled out for 150 in 20 overs despite Mohammad Nabi’s valiant 44 off 36 balls, which included one four and three sixes. Nabi’s late charge nearly stole victory for Hobart before a composed final over from Azmatullah Omarzai sealed the match for Rangpur.

The Hurricanes needed 10 runs off the final over with two wickets in hand. After a wide to start, Nabi hammered the first legal ball for six and added two more off the next, bringing the target within two runs. Omarzai responded with a dot and then dismissed Nabi with a catch at long-off by Iftikhar Ahmed. Billy Stanlake managed a single off the penultimate delivery, leaving two runs needed from the last ball. Usama Mir called for a quick single, but Stanlake was run out at the non-striker’s end after a slick relay from Iftikhar and Omarzai, leaving Hobart agonizingly short.

Khaled Ahmed was named Player of the Match for his superb spell of 4 for 26, removing the dangerous McDermott (34 off 19), Odean Smith (20 off 13), Fabian Allen, and Raf MacMillan at critical junctures. Iftikhar Ahmed chipped in with 2 for 13, while Rakibul Hasan and Omarzai took one wicket apiece.

Hobart’s chase had begun with promise. Captain Ben McDermott gave them a flying start with a blistering 34, but regular wickets slowed their momentum. Aside from McDermott, Smith, and Nabi, no other batter reached double figures.

The win keeps Rangpur unbeaten in the tournament and reinforces their credentials as early title contenders, while Hobart will be left reflecting on a golden opportunity that slipped away in the final moments of a pulsating contest.

Photo: GSLT20