Kyle Mayers’ contribution with both bat and ball may not have lit up the stat sheet, but the seasoned West Indies all-rounder made his presence felt when it mattered most to help Rangpur Riders secure a narrow eight-run win over Dubai Capitals in a tightly contested Global Super League (GSL) match at Providence Stadium on Wednesday.
The left-handed Mayers played a brisk cameo of 19 from just 11 balls, which featured two sixes and a boundary, which helped the Riders post a competitive 158-5. With the ball, he returned to snatch the crucial early wicket of fellow Barbadian Kadeem Alleyne to finish with figures of 1-18 from two overs in a match where every run and every wicket proved vital.
His effort managed to edge out a spirited display from another West Indian, Dominic Drakes, whose all-round show threatened to swing the game Dubai’s way. Drakes first removed opener Ibrahim Zadran (one) and then hit 22 off 16 balls, including two sixes, to keep the Capitals in the hunt before falling in the penultimate over with nine runs still needed.
Scores: Rangpur Riders 158-5 (20 overs); Dubai Capitals 150 all out (19.2 overs)
Opting to bat first, Rangpur Riders' innings was anchored by Iftikhar Ahmed, who struck a composed 41 not out off 32 deliveries, while captain Nurul Hasan played a key finishing role with 34 from just 18 balls. Both batsmen struck three fours and two sixes at blistering strike rates. Soumya Sarkar also chipped in with four sixes in a 28-ball 36, as the Riders built a solid platform after early hiccups.
The Capitals’ bowlers struggled with consistency, though Shakib Al Hasan led with discipline, as he conceded only 16 runs from his four overs and took the wicket of Sarkar. Qais Ahmad and Gulbadin Naib also picked up a wicket apiece, while Drakes returned 1-38.
In reply, Dubai Capitals got off to a shaky start. Mayers struck early when he trapped Alleyne (one) in the opening over, and the top order crumbled to 28 for three within five overs. A 48-run partnership between Sediqullah Atal (38) and Sanjay Krishnamurthi (27) revived hopes, but the required rate climbed steadily.
Saif Hassan was the surprise package for the Riders, as he grabbed 3-20, including the prized scalps of Atal and Niroshan Dickwella (nine), while Khaled Ahmed (2-14) closed out the innings with nerves of steel in the final over. Azmatullah Omarzai, despite a costly bowling return, chipped in with the key wicket of Qais Ahmad, who made 18 off eight balls and threatened a late assault with two sixes.
With the win, Rangpur Riders continue to build momentum in the Global Super League, as they sit atop the standings with six points from three games, while Dubai Capitals, who were being condemned to their third loss in four games, sit fourth on two points.