Hridoy finds form but loses the fight

Towhid Hridoy was in desperate need of a significant innings. So, too, were the Rangpur Riders. 

On a crisp Sunday afternoon at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, facing one of this year’s BPL favourites in the Rajshahi Warriors, Rangpur finally got exactly what they desired from their young star.

Yet, by the time the final ball was bowled, Rangpur found themselves on the wrong side of the result. The Warriors made light work of a challenging 178-run target, chasing it down with seven wickets and five balls to spare to secure their second victory over Rangpur in this league phase.

The chase was a masterclass in controlled aggression. 

Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto took immediate charge against Rangpur’s pace attack, bludgeoning 76 off just 42 balls. His innings, decorated with six fours and four towering sixes, acted as the perfect launchpad. 

Opener Muhammad Waseem then clinicaly finished the job, remaining unbeaten on 87 off 59 deliveries. Together, the pair stitched together a match-defining partnership of 142 runs off a mere 82 balls.

Earlier in the day, Hridoy’s unbeaten 97, laced with eight fours and six sixes, had steered Rangpur to what appeared to be a par total. 

However, the nature of his innings sparked debate; despite a fiery start, Hridoy endured a curious mid-innings lull, going ten overs without finding the boundary before eventually reaching his half-century in the 15th over.

Rangpur’s decision to promote Hridoy to the top of the order alongside Kyle Mayers initially looked like a stroke of genius. The right-hander, who has struggled for rhythm in the middle overs recently, smashed 38 off 22 balls during the powerplay. 

After his mid-innings stall, he accelerated spectacularly, adding 47 runs in his final 17 deliveries.

Reflecting on the middle-over slowdown, Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan Sohan noted: “Hridoy batted brilliantly and structured his innings well. But yes, in those 30 balls in the middle, we didn’t hit any boundaries. The wicket was good, so the total was decent. Our bigger concern was fielding. If we had batted those middle overs better, our run rate could have gone above 10, which was difficult on this wicket, but we couldn’t manage it.”

Shanto was equally complimentary of his opponent's effort. 

“He batted really well. He deserves the century. The pitch was tricky at the start, but he finished the innings excellently. Milestones are important, but impactful innings are even more significant,” Shanto remarked. 

“Of course, it would have been nice if Hridoy had reached 100, but overall, it was very good batting.”

For Shanto, the victory was a vital palate cleanser following a poor showing against Chattogram. However, despite his match-winning form, the left-hander remains a spectator regarding the national side, having been excluded from the initial T20 World Cup squad. 

With changes permitted until 31 January, the noise surrounding his potential recall is growing, yet Shanto remains stoic.

“As far as I know, the World Cup team is already decided. I haven’t thought about that. My focus is on making an impact every day,” he insisted. 

“Selection is not under my control—the coach, captain, and selectors do what they feel is best. My job is to keep performing consistently.”

Shanto concluded by throwing his support behind those already selected for the global showpiece, many of whom are currently struggling for runs in the BPL. 

“In T20, I don’t worry too much about failures. A good innings can restore confidence. Team management already trusts players who aren’t scoring, so there’s no reason to worry.”