Unshaken Mustafizur wins it for Rangpur with death-over mastery

Off-field turbulence seemed to have little impact on Mustafizur Rahman as the left-arm pacer once again showcased what he is best known for -- ice-cool bowling at the death -- to steer Rangpur Riders to a thrilling five-run victory over Dhaka Capitals in Sunday night's Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match in Sylhet.

Mustafizur, who was released by IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders a day earlier following the BCCI's directive, had been in the global spotlight amid the Bangladesh Cricket Board's latest stance of not sending the national side to India for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

This match marked his first on-field appearance since the incident, and he responded in emphatic fashion.

Chasing 156, Dhaka were well placed at 131 for three in the 17th over, needing just 25 runs from 18 balls. Mustafizur, who had conceded 17 runs in his first two overs, returned to bowl his third and turned the game on its head. He gave away only two runs and removed Shamim Hossain (11), leaving Dhaka needing 23 from the final two overs.

Although Rangpur pacer Akif Javed conceded 13 runs in the penultimate over to tilt the momentum back in Dhaka's favour, Mustafizur slammed the door shut in the final over, conceding just four runs.

His composure ensured Rangpur's dramatic win despite the presence of set batter Mohammad Mithun (56 off 38 balls, not out) and Sabbir Rahman (12 off eight, not out), who failed to finish the chase.

Earlier, Rangpur recovered from a shaky start after being sent in to bat. They had slumped to 30 for three, before Mahmudullah anchored the innings with a well-crafted 51 off 41 balls, sharing a vital 74-run partnership with Dawid Malan (33).

Khushdil Shah then provided late impetus with an unbeaten 38 off 21 balls, lifting Rangpur to a competitive 155 for five in 20 overs in chilly Sylhet conditions.

For Dhaka, Afghan pacer Ziaur Rahman Sharifi was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2 for 35 from his four overs.