Rangpur Riders begin title defence with win over Amazon Warriors

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Defending champions Rangpur Riders got off to a winning start in the 2025 Global Super League (GSL) with an exciting eight-run win over the Guyana Amazon Warriors here yesterday.

Playing in the night’s second match at Providence Stadium, Rangpur posted a competitive 162 for five off their 20 overs, with Kyle Mayers leading the way with an unbeaten 44 from 31 balls with three fours and two sixes.

Iftikhar Ahmed provided good support, finishing on 34 not out off 21 balls, inclusive of two fours and two sixes and together with Mayers, helped their side recover from 86 for five.

Forty-six-year-old Imran Tahir led the Amazon Warriors with 2-21 while Gudakesh Motie took 2-32.

Spinner Khaled Ahmed then snared 4-36, Tabraiz Shamsi took 2-24 and Azmatullah Omarzai 2-13, as Rangpur limited the Amazon Warriors to 154 in 19.1 overs.

Opener Johnson Charles topscored with 40 with five fours and two sixes, while Moeen Ali made 28.