Riders storm to top of BPL standings

Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers made short work of the 73-run target as Rangpur Riders scampered to a nine-wicket victory with 10.4 over to spare at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

The win ensured that Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's men finish on top of the BPL standings courtesy of their superior run-rate. Gayle struck 35 off 30 deliveries while de Villiers scored 34 off 22 as Rangpur overhauled Comilla, who will finish second.

Earlier, Comilla's local stars Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes fell for naught as Victorians struggled  to get going from the start. Nahidul Islam struck in just the second delivery of the innings as Tamim charged him but only managed to get holed out at long-on. Opener Anamul Haque was next as he edged Nahidul through to the wicket-keeper. Imrul top-edged Mashrafe as he went for the pull and was caught at fine leg and the paceman bagged the dangerous Thisara Perea in his next over. Three wickets had fell in the space of 13 deliveries, with Shahidul Islam picking up Shamsur Rahman in between those two overs from Mash.

Ziaur Rahman and Liam Dawson took the score past 50 but Rovi Bopara picked up three quick wickets and was on a hat-trick which did not happen but Comilla innings was wrapped up for just 72.