VCT VS RAN FINAL

Right then! With this emphatic win, Rangpur Riders lift the trophy, showcasing their excellence throughout the tournament and leaving a lasting mark on the inaugural GSL season. This brings us to the end of the tournament but there is still a lot of cricket going on in different parts of the world. It's India playing Australia in the second Test, Day 2, that starts at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT). Join our coverage of that in a while for all the pre-match excitement. Till Then, have a good day!

Rangpur Riders captain Nurul Hasan Sohan proudly collects his medal alongside his jubilant teammates, celebrating their championship win. Nurul dedicates the victory to those who lost their lives earlier in the year, reflecting on the team’s journey from initial setbacks to ultimate triumph. He credits the players' hunger and hard work for building momentum that led to their success. Nurul explains their strategy to bat first on a tricky wicket, aiming for a defendable 140 but surpassing expectations with a higher score. He praises the openers, particularly Soumya Sarkar’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament, and thanks the management, Rangpur, and the Guyanese supporters.

Victoria captain Corey Anderson reflects on his team's journey as they receive their runner-up medals. Anderson emphasizes the importance of playing with passion and accepts that sometimes victory isn’t everything. He expresses immense pride in his squad for their outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Anderson acknowledges that Rangpur’s Soumya Sarkar and Steven Taylor batted exceptionally well and credits Rangpur's bowlers for exploiting the challenging second-half conditions. Despite falling short, Anderson praises the tournament’s organization, thanking the organizers and the Guyanese government for hosting such a competitive and memorable event.

Soumya Sarkar expresses his gratitude after being named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament. He reflects on the adjustments he made after noticing the slow and challenging wicket in the opening game. Sarkar credits his success to self-belief and the guidance he received from the Rangpur Riders. He thanks the team for picking him, calling this achievement a turning point in his career. Sarkar highlights his strategy of assessing conditions early on, waiting for loose deliveries, and capitalizing with big shots. He concludes by extending his heartfelt thanks to everyone for their support.

... TIME FOR PRESENTATIONS ...

Zak Chappell expresses his elation after the Rangpur Riders' title victory, acknowledging the team's hard work throughout the tournament. He praises Victoria for their performance in the final but emphasizes that the Riders outshone them when it mattered most. Chappell declares that being crowned champions is everything for the team and looks forward to connecting with the passionate Bangladesh fans soon.

In their chase, Victoria faced a daunting task. Despite a promising start and a fiery 40 off 22 balls from Joe Clarke, they were unable to sustain the required momentum. Rangpur's bowlers took control, with Mahedi Hasan (2/20) and Harmeet Singh (3/19) leading the charge. The duo consistently broke partnerships and applied pressure, dismantling Victoria’s batting lineup. Victoria’s lower order offered little resistance, and they were bowled out for just 122 in 18.1 overs, falling well short of the target. The Riders’ clinical execution in the field and relentless bowling effort sealed a dominant victory.

Batting first, the Riders set the tone with a blistering start. Openers Soumya Sarkar and Steven Taylor put on a magnificent 124-run partnership, dismantling Victoria's bowling attack during the powerplay and beyond. Taylor showcased his class with a measured 68 off 49 balls, including 4 boundaries and 4 sixes, before being dismissed in the 14th over by Karima Gore. Sarkar, however, carried his innings to the end, unleashing a stunning assault in the death overs. His unbeaten 86 off just 54 balls, featuring 7 fours and 5 sixes, propelled the Riders to an imposing total of 178/3. While Saif Hassan (6) and Wayne Madsen (10) fell cheaply, Sarkar’s brilliance ensured a strong finish. Victoria’s bowlers struggled to contain the assault, with only Dominic Drakes (1/20) standing out amidst the onslaught.

What a tournament for Rangpur Riders, they won the game convincingly and are now the first winners of the Global Super League! They have defeated Victoria by 56 runs! The Rangpur Riders are crowned the GSL 2024 champions, delivering a stellar performance to claim a commanding 56-run victory over Victoria in the final. Their all-round dominance, with both bat and ball, secured a well-deserved triumph.

OUT! CAUGHT! Rangpur Riders are the winners of the tournament and Rishad Hossain gets the final wicket to get there! Rishad drags the length back at the off and fourth stump line. Smith rocks back to pull the delivery and he hits it. The ball goes aerially to the widish long-on where Soumya Sarkar completes the catch. Victoria are all out for 122 and Rangpur Riders win the tournament!

OUT! CAUGHT! Rangpur Riders are the winners of the tournament and Rishad Hossain gets the final wicket to get there! Rishad drags the length back at the off and fourth stump line. Smith rocks back to pull the delivery and he hits it. The ball goes aerially to the widish long-on where Soumya Sarkar completes the catch. Victoria are all out for 122 and Rangpur Riders win the tournament!

Touch fuller on off. Callum Stow taps it back to the bowler.

Floats it up on the stumps. Jackson Smith drives the ball to long on for a single.

Short and wide, cut away towards point for a run.

Fuller on off. Jackson Smith drives it to long off and runs a single.

BEATEN! Outside off, turning away from the length. Jackson Smith stays back in the crease and looks to poke at it but misses.

Jackson Smith is the last man in for Victoria.