Towhid Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim’s efforts were in vain after Rony Talukdar, Mohammad Naim and Shoaib Maik popped up with the devastating batting as Rangpur Riders beat the table-topper Sylhet Strikers by a commanding eight wicket in the Bangladesh Premier League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Saturday.

The victory means Rangpur have strengthened their last four of competition after Sylhet, Fortune Barishal, and Comilla Victorians.

With Towhid hitting an unbeaten 57-ball 85 and Mushfiq standing on a muscular 35-ball 55, Sylhet managed a challenging 170-2.

In reply, Rangpur chased down the target following a 66 off 35 balls from Rony, alongside a 32-ball 45 and an unbeaten 24-ball 41 from Mohammad Naim and Malik, respectively.

Sent to bat Sylhet made a decent start as their opening stand went undefeated up to 43 before Najmul Hossan Shanto fell to Hasan Mahmud on 15 in 8.2 overs.

His fellow colleague Zakir Hasan copied his steps just after two overs as he gave a catch to Aaron Jones for 7 by Mahedi Hasan.

Then, riding on Towhid’s 85 and Mushfiq’s unbeaten 55, Sylhet amassed an exciting 170-2.

Pursuing a challenging total, Rangpur made a flying start as their opening pair, Naim and Rony, posted 100 without any loss.

However, they failed to carry on the momentum after the latter was dismissed by Mohammad Irfan in 9.5 overs.

Naim also couldn’t make his stay longer after the exclusion of his settled partner, as Rejaur Rahman Raja rattled his stumps inside the next two overs.

Then, banking on Malik and skipper Nurul Hasan’s whirlwind willow, the former champions reached the target successfully.