The Rangpur Riders have made a habit of escaping from the jaws of defeat. Twice in two matches, they have snatched victories when the odds seemed stacked against them. With two thrilling wins from two outings, the defending champions of the Global Super League (GSL) are now on the brink of sealing a place in the final.

Today, they face Dubai Capitals in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. 

And in the opposite dugout will be a familiar face - Shakib Al Hasan, who knows this Riders unit all too well. The Bangladesh all-rounder produced a match-winning performance in Dubai’s opening match but has since seen his team falter, suffering defeats in the next two fixtures.

For Rangpur, confidence is high but caution remains. 

“We need to play well in the next two matches to reach the final,” skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan said after their narrow one-run win over Hobart Hurricanes. 

“We are looking at the final, Inshallah, but there’s still a long way to go.”

The Riders’ bowling attack has been the cornerstone of their campaign. Khaled Ahmed has delivered back-to-back match-winning spells, including a four-wicket haul against Hurricanes that took him past 100 T20 wickets. At the death, Azmatullah Omarzai has held his nerve with ice in his veins, defending 9 and 13 runs in two last overs.

Tabraiz Shamsi has led the spin charge with control and guile, while Iftikhar Ahmed has chipped in with timely breakthroughs.

But concerns linger over Rangpur’s middle order. Yasir Ali, Sohan and Omarzai have yet to contribute significantly with the bat, something the Riders will need to address as they enter the business end of the tournament.

Today’s clash against the Dubai Capitals could be decisive. For Rangpur, it’s a step closer to the final. For Shakib, it’s a shot at redemption - only this time, against the team he once called his own.