By Anas Ahmed 
Rangpur Riders Begin Title Defense with Thrilling Victory Over Guyana Amazon Warriors
The defending champions, Rangpur Riders, began their Global Super League 2025 campaign in dramatic fashion, holding their nerve to beat home favorites Guyana Amazon Warriors by 8 runs at the Guyana National Stadium.
In what turned out to be a gripping contest, it was Bangladesh seamer Khaled Ahmed who emerged as the game-changer, delivering under pressure in the final overs to snatch victory from the jaws of a potential defeat.
Riders Set a Challenging Total
After winning the toss, Rangpur opted to bat and posted a competitive 162/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Kyle Mayers anchored the innings with a composed 44 not out, showcasing patience and power in equal measure.
Guyana’s famed spin trio — Imran Tahir, Gudakesh Motie, and Moeen Ali — kept things tight in the middle overs, but Rangpur’s batting depth ensured a healthy finish. Motie and Tahir picked up two wickets each, applying just enough pressure to keep the Warriors hopeful.
Warriors Start Strong but Falter Late
Chasing 163 in front of their home crowd, Guyana looked well in control for much of their innings. Johnson Charles gave them a flying start with a fluent 40 off 28 balls, while Moeen Ali added momentum with a quickfire 27 off 18.
Despite six batters reaching double digits, the Warriors couldn’t convert those starts into a match-winning knock. The innings lost shape in the final overs, eventually collapsing to 154 all out in 19.1 overs.
Khaled Ahmed Turns the Tide
Khaled Ahmed produced a memorable performance, finishing with 4/36. His 19th over was decisive — Guyana needed 20 off 12, and after being hit for a six by Dwaine Pretorius, Khaled bounced back to remove Pretorius and Shamar Springer in back-to-back deliveries.
With just 9 runs required off the final over, Azmatullah Omarzai was given the ball and delivered the knockout blow, dismissing David Wiese to seal the win.
A Strong Statement from the Defending Champions
The narrow victory not only earned Rangpur their first points in the tournament but also sent a message to other teams that the defending champions remain a formidable force. Their balanced lineup and composure under pressure could once again take them deep into the competition.
As the Global Super League 2025 unfolds in Guyana, fans can expect more fireworks and unforgettable finishes like this one.
Match Summary:
Rangpur Riders – 162/5 (Mayers 44*, Motie 2/20, Tahir 2/28)
Guyana Amazon Warriors – 154 all out (Charles 40, Moeen 27; Khaled Ahmed 4/36
Result: Rangpur Riders won by 8 runs
Zainab Shafiq