Sports Desk

Soumya Sarkar's brilliance lit up the stage as Rangpur Riders were crowned the first-ever champions of the Global T20 Super League with a dominant 56-run win over Victoria in Guyana on Saturday.

The journey wasn’t easy for Rangpur, who started the tournament with two losses but made an incredible comeback to claim the title, showing true grit and determination.

The foundation of their victory was a stunning 124-run opening stand between Steven Taylor and Soumya Sarkar, the highest partnership of the tournament.

Taylor played a steady hand before accelerating to score 68 off 49 balls, while Soumya stole the show with a spectacular 86 off 54 deliveries. His knock, featuring stylish leg-side flicks and powerful hits, was the top individual score of the competition and helped Rangpur post a commanding 178/3—the highest team total in the league.

Victoria began their chase with aggression, thanks to Joe Clarke’s fiery 22-ball 40.

However, once he fell to Mahedi Hasan in the 11th over, their innings crumbled under the pressure of Rangpur’s disciplined bowling. Victoria were bowled out for just 122 in 18.1 overs.

Rangpur’s bowlers were exceptional, with Mahedi Hasan (2/20) and Rishad Hossain (2 wickets) building pressure, while Harmeet Singh starred with figures of 3/19 in his four overs.

Rangpur’s journey to the final was full of challenges.

With key players Soumya Sarkar, Rishad Hossain, and Afif Hossain called up by the Bangladesh Cricket Board for an ODI series against the West Indies starting on December 8, the team had to rush to ensure their availability for the final. Adding to their woes, Mohammad Saifuddin suffered an injury during a must-win game, leaving his participation in doubt.

Despite these hurdles, the team came together, overcoming every obstacle to deliver a memorable performance and lift the trophy, with Soumya’s dazzling knock as the centerpiece of their triumph.