Mayers blitz lifts Rangpur to top of BPL table

Tournament favourites Rangpur Riders climbed to the top of the points table in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 after defeating Chattogram Royals by five wickets in their fifth match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Chasing a target of 170, Rangpur lost opener Litton Das for 10 early but recovered through solid contributions from Kyle Mayers, who blasted 50 off just 25 balls, Dawid Malan (30 off 30) and Mahmudullah, who remained unbeaten on 30 off 19 balls. Rangpur reached 170 for five in 18.5 overs to seal a convincing victory and move to the summit with eight points.

The defeat saw Chattogram slip from the top spot to second place, with six points from five matches.

Earlier, Adam Rossington continued his fine form with 58 off 41 balls -- his third consecutive fifty of the tournament -- while debutant Hasan Nawaz impressed with 46 off 38 balls as Chattogram posted 169 for five in their allotted 20 overs after being sent in to bat.

Chattogram suffered early setbacks in the powerplay, losing Mohammad Naim (16) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (12), before Rossington and Nawaz rebuilt the innings with an 82-run partnership for the third wicket. A late flourish from Mahedi Hasan (13 off seven balls, not out) and Aamer Jamal (19 off 10 balls, not out) helped the Royals reach a competitive total.

For Rangpur, Akif Javed and Mustafizur Rahman picked up two wickets apiece.

Rangpur's chase was firmly under control from the outset as Mayers launched a brutal assault, smashing five fours and four sixes to provide a flying start. Although Chattogram pacer Shoriful Islam returned impressive figures of three for 37, Mahmudullah and Khushdil Shah, who struck 22 off 12 balls, once again applied the finishing touches to seal the contest.