CHATTOGRAM, Bangladesh, CMC – Veteran West Indies superstar Chris Gayle failed again but his Rangpur Riders did just enough to beat Johnson Charles’s Rajshahi Kings by six wickets yesterday, and maintain their position at the top of the Bangladesh Premier League standings.
Asked to chase a paltry 142 at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Riders recovered from Gayle’s early demise to reach their target with eight balls remaining.
The left-handed Gayle, who turns 40 later this year, struck two fours in 10 before holing out to long off off 21-year-old off-spinner Mehidy Hasan in the third over with only 13 runs on the board.
However, South African Rilee Roussouw then stroked a responsible 55 off 43 deliveries, repairing the innings first in a 41-run, second wicket stand with England opener Alex Hales (16) and then in a 71-run, third wicket partnership with fellow countryman AB de Villiers (37).
The 30-year-old Charles, who has not represented West Indies in over two years, made 12 at the top of the order and it was left to Englishman Laurie Evans with 35 to get Kings up to 141 for eight off their 20 overs.
Riders have 14 points, ahead of Comilla Victorians at the top only on net run rate.
