Faheem Ashraf’s Five-Wicket Haul Rattles Chattogram Royals

SYLHET : A clinical bowling performance led by Faheem Ashraf’s exceptional five-wicket haul has put the Rangpur Riders in a commanding position at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Riders restricted the Chattogram Royals to a meager 102 runs.

The decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends for Rangpur. Speedster Nahid Rana set the tone in the very first over, dismissing Adam Rossington for a duck and immediately placing the Royals on the defensive.

Despite the early wobble, Mohammad Naim provided a spark of hope for Chattogram. Naim played a blistering cameo, scoring 39 runs off just 20 deliveries. His aggressive intent briefly threatened to shift the pressure, but the momentum was short-lived. The introduction of Mustafizur Rahman proved decisive, as the “Fizz” claimed Naim’s crucial wicket just as he was beginning to look dangerous.

From that point onward, it was the Faheem Ashraf show. The Pakistani all-rounder utilized pace, nagging accuracy, and subtle variations to dismantle the middle and lower order. He finished with a stellar five-wicket haul, ensuring that no Chattogram batter besides Naim and Mirza Baig (20) could build any meaningful resistance.

The Royals were eventually bundled out in 17.5 overs. Mustafizur Rahman provided excellent support at the other end, finishing with two wickets. With a target of 103, Rangpur Riders head into the second innings as clear favorites to secure the points in Sylhet.