In a gripping encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the Chattogram Challengers were confronted with a formidable challenge of pursuing Rangpur Riders' commanding score of 211-3 in a thrilling Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match. Notwithstanding this hurdle, the opening batsman Shykat Ali's conservative tactics in the initial overs received scrutiny following their eventual loss by a margin of 53 runs.

Rangpur achieved an impressive milestone by achieving a total of more than 200 runs for the first time this season. Reeza Hendricks contributed a solid 58 runs, while James Neesham remained unbeaten at 51. With an intimidating goal set before them, Chattogram was anticipated to initiate their pursuit with a bold and forceful approach.

Nevertheless, Shykat Ali, entrusted with the responsibility of kick-starting the innings, chose a more conservative strategy, prioritizing the establishment of stability rather than launching an aggressive assault on the bowlers. Starting off with difficulties in establishing limits, Shykat's batting gradually advanced at a slow pace, accumulating a total of 17 runs from 29 deliveries, all achieved without managing to hit the ball across the boundary rope until the 11th over. Notwithstanding ultimately emerging as the highest run-scorer for his team, tallying an impressive 63 runs off 45 balls, the majority of his runs were accrued during a period when his team had already lost the match. Responding to inquiries regarding his offensive strategy, Shykat clarified that he was adapting to his recently assigned position as the initial batsman and adopted a cautious approach, taking into account the skillful and controlled bowling performances delivered by Shakib Al Hasan and Mahedi Hasan.

The cricketer emphasized his priority of preserving his wicket and patiently awaiting the opportune time to pick up the pace, unfortunately, he executed this strategy too tardily in the match. Despite Shykat's exceptional achievement of accumulating 22 runs within a single over, the outcome of the match was barely influenced as the margin of defeat remained largely unaffected. The elevation of his position to an opener was a result of Chattogram's choice, as Tanzid Hasan Tamim was unavailable, and their batting order suffered from a dearth of options in the absence of Najibullah Zadran.

In spite of facing difficulties in batting, Shykat justified the team's choice and credited Rangpur's impactful bowling display for their defeat. Moreover, Chattogram faced even more difficulties in the match due to Rangpur's deficient performance in the field, which was characterized by missed catches and giving away boundaries.