RAR vs CD: The final league clash of the Global Super League 2025 (GSL) Rangpur Riders (RAR) versus Central Districts Stags (CD) was an unfortunate end, with rain taking the final word in Guyana.
While early hopes and a vigorous spell from Blair Tickner saw promise, interruptions from the weather basically forced an early cut short of what would have been a riveting clash, to the unfortunate ultimate result of a complete washout.
Delayed Toss and Shortened Game Format
Heavy showers during the morning delayed the toss by 45 minutes. Rangpur captain Nurul Hasan won the toss and chose to bat first despite further rain threatening. Play finally started 90 minutes late, and the game was shortened to a 17-over-a-side match. However, it was not to be, as continuous rain disrupted play again, shortening the game further to 14 overs a side.
RAR vs CD: Stags’ Spinners Dominate Early
The Central Stags surprised everyone by opening with spin from both ends. The move paid off immediately.
Angus Schaw struck in the second delivery of the innings, getting Soumya Sarkar out.
Jayden Lennox, the left-arm spinner, then got Ibrahim Zadran, leaving Rangpur Riders on the back foot early in the powerplay.
This strategic deployment of spin by Central Districts built pressure before rain hit again.
Blair Tickner Wrecks the Middle Order
Following the restart, Blair Tickner dominated the proceedings with a fine fast-bowling spell that destroyed Rangpur’s middle order. His major victims included:
Mahidul Islam Ankon
Iftikhar Ahmed
Nurul Hasan
Tickner’s passionate spell had RAR tottering at 66/6, and the initiative totally in CD’s favor.
RAR Collapse for 79 – Then the Rain Returns
As soon as Tickner had done the damage, spinners Schaw and Lennox came back to mop up the tail. Riders were bowled out for a mere 79 runs in 14 overs, a sub-par score by T20 standards.
But central Stags were not allowed to start their chase as yet another heavy spell of rain came down over Guyana, eventually forcing the match to be abandoned.
GSL 2025: Stags Knocked Out, Riders Already in Final
Even with their comprehensively dominant performance during this RAR vs CD match, the Central Stags (CD) exited last season’s tournament as they ended third in the Global Super League 2025 rankings. The Rangpur Riders (RAR), who are already through to the final, will now simply await the championship game.
Essential Points from RAR vs CD – GSL 2025
The performance of the day belonged to Blair Tickner, whose three key wickets tore apart the Riders.
Central Stags’ strategic application of spin at the beginning was fruitful, even though the game got rained off.
Rain interruptions and unsuitable weather conditions halted the game considerably.
Rangpur Riders’ qualification place is not affected, but Central Stags are deprived of the playoffs.
Global Super League 2025 Completes League Stage on a Rainy Note
The RAR vs CD game may not have yielded a conclusive outcome, but it proved there is sound tactical depth within the Central Districts team and a match-winning spell by Blair Tickner. As the Global Super League 2025 advances to its concluding phase, the audience will pray that the rains hold off and the play goes on unabated.
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