Rangpur Riders won against Sylhet Strikers in the first match of the day in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). By batting first, Sylhet made a collection of 120 runs. In reply, Rangpur won by 4 wickets thanks to the heroic batting of Babar Azam and Azmatullah Omarzai.  

Babar Azam has come to play for the first time in BPL. Babar played a big role in winning the match in the first match. He left the field winning the team after playing an amazing innings of 56 runs off 49 balls. Besides, Rangpur's Afghan all-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai played an unbeaten innings of 47 runs off 35 balls. Shakib Al Hasan, the biggest star of the team, is currently not playing for Rangpur in BPL due to going to Singapore for eye treatment. However, Rangpur's pacer Hasan Mahmud said that Babar Azam has made up for his lack.

In the press conference after the match, Hasan said, “It would have been better (if Shakib had there). If he is there, there is an extra pressure (on the opponent). It was actually covered by Babar Azam. Actually (we) needed the momentum. We got that momentum after winning today. We will continue it InshaAllah.”

Besides, Hasan also talked about Babar's batting, “I will say he (Babar) played great. Understanding the situation of the match, he (Babar) played his role today. Wickets were falling from one side to the other and he was giving his best. He continued taking singles and it sealed the game.”

Rangpur's next match in BPL is on January 26, against Khulna Tigers.