DHAKA, Jan 29, 2025 (BSS)-- Pakistan recruit Haider Ali trumped his compatriot Iftikhar Ahmed with a six-laden knock as Chittagong Kings made a giant stride toward the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) playoffs, romping to a five-wicket win over Rangpur Riders at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Iftikhar with unbeaten 47 ball-65 runs knock lifted Rangpur Riders to 143-5 after a shaky start but Haider helped Chittagong gun down the target in 17.4 overs, smashing 18 ball-48 not out.

He closed the game with four sixes in a row against his compatriot Akif Javed, steering the side to 148-5 for a crucial victory. Haider in total smote one four and six sixes.

After winning eight matches on the trot, Rangpur now lost three matches in  a row.

Chasing the victory target, Chittagong lost two wickets cheaply before Parvez Hossain Emon steadied the ship with 41 off 43.

Emon shared 34 runs with skipper Mithun who made 20 after which added further 41 runs with Haider.

After the dismissal of Emon, Haider plundered the bowlers all corner of the park to ensure the side's victory.

Akif Javed and Mohammad Saifuddin grabbed two wickets apiece for Rangpur.

Iftikhar's knock that included seven fours and three sixes earlier gave Rangpur's scoreboard some decent look.

He added 75 runs with Mahedi Hasan in 46 balls for the unbeaten sixth wicket stand after the side was in troubling 68-5 in 12.2 over. Mahedi was unbeaten on 22.

Put into bat first, Rangpur made a poor start with opener Steven Taylor continuing his horrendous form being out for naught in the first over.

Soumya Sarkar hammered 17 ball-23 but failed to convert it to big. After his dismissal, Rangpur middle order fell like pack of cards before Iftikhar came as the saviour.

Fast bowler Syed Khaled Ahmed picked up 2-44 in four overs for Chittagong.

 The match is crucial for Chittagong to stay alive for playoffs race. Rangpur which lost the previous two matches had already confirmed playoffs.