RAR vs DC: Champions Rangpur Riders (RAR) qualified for the Global Super League (GSL) 2025 final by defeating Dubai Capitals (DC) with a last-ball thriller.
With all the drama, fielding mistakes, and flow of the match, Rangpur regained their composure when Qais Ahmad launched an assault late in the game to beat them by eight runs in Guyana.
Qais Ahmad’s Heroics Not Enough for Dubai Capitals
In the deciding RAR vs DC GSL encounter, Dubai Capitals required 28 runs off the last two overs with only two wickets at their disposal. Qais Ahmad provided some hope with two sixes and a four, reducing the equation to 9 from 8 balls. But his stay came to an end when he was caught by Ibrahim Zadran off long-on, and Khaled Ahmed also removed Dominic Drakes in quick succession, crushing Dubai’s title hopes.
Rangpur Bowlers Hit Early After Setting 159
In pursuit of 159 on a slow pitch, Dubai had a bumpy start. Kadeem Alleyne was bowled by a vicious nip-backer from Kyle Mayers, and Gulbadin Naib chopped one onto his stumps off Iftikhar Ahmed.
Niroshan Dickwella survived two dropped opportunities and a fortunate edge but was finally dismissed caught behind by Saif Hassan, who became Rangpur’s bowling hero with 3 for 20.
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After a promising beginning by Sediqullah Atal, who had four boundaries in the opening overs, DC fell to 28 for 3. A 48-run partnership between Atal and Sanjay Krishnamurthi stabilised the situation briefly, but the middle-order collapse soon ensued.
Saif Hassan, Rakibul Hasan Turn the Tide in RAR vs DC GSL Clash
Spinner Rakibul Hasan got rid of Krishnamurthi with a gentle dismissal at cover. Later, in the 13th over, Saif Hassan hit twice initially, having Shakib Al Hasan stumped, then getting Atal lbw with a very cleverly disguised delivery. These strikes set back the Capitals quite a bit.
While Drakes and Bootan struck some boundaries, an expensive run-out of Bootan in the 16th over spoiled their chances for a late resistance, leaving them at 115 for 7, otherwise out of the game until Qais’s late pyrotechnics.
Iftikhar Ahmed Leads Rangpur to Plucky Total
Earlier in the game, Rangpur lost their opener Ibrahim Zadran early, lbw to Drakes. But counter-attacking was done by Kyle Mayers, striking three sixes on Kaleem Sana. But after spin was brought into the game, Mayers sliced a flick and got out, ending the momentum.
Soumya Sarkar and Mahidul Islam Ankon found it difficult to score freely, as the run rate from 40/1 after four overs fell to 57/1 by the eighth. Qais Ahmad then intervened, catching Mahidul after a mis-hit shot, and Shakib soon got rid of Sarkar following some resistance.
Azmatullah Omarzai’s 13-ball 8 didn’t help the cause as Rangpur reached only 104/5 in the 15th over. However, Iftikhar Ahmed (41 off 24)* and skipper Nurul Hasan provided a late surge. The pair smashed 37 runs in the last two overs, targeting Drakes and Naib, pushing Rangpur to a competitive 158.
Key Takeaways – RAR vs DC, Global Super League 2025
Rangpur Riders qualify for the GSL 2025 Final
Iftikhar Ahmed’s unbeaten 41 is crucial in reaching the match-winning target
Saif Hassan (3/20) tore through the middle-order of DC with a game-changing spell
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Qais Ahmad’s late fireworks got DC to within sniffing distance, but his dismissal shut their campaign
What’s Next?
With this nail-biting RAR vs DC Global Super League 2025 victory, Rangpur Riders will now defend their title in the final. For Dubai Capitals, their loss eliminates them from the running, bringing an end to their GSL campaign in despair.
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