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GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC):

Defending champions Rangpur Riders were denied a fourth consecutive victory in the ExxonMobil Guyana Global Super League (GSL) after heavy rain forced the abandonment of their final group-stage match against the Central Stags at the Providence Stadium in Guyana yesterday.

Persistent showers first reduced the contest to 17 overs per side, then to 14, before the weather had the final say, washing out the game entirely after the Riders were bowled out for a meagre 79 in 13.5 overs.

The Stags never got the chance to chase, but their bowlers had already made an impact, exploiting the damp conditions to dismantle the Riders' batting line-up.

Only Saif Hasan, 22, and Mahidul Islam Ankon, 15, reached double figures as the pitch and outfield grew increasingly treacherous.

The Stags' attack, led by Angus Schaw, Jayden Lennox, and Blair Tickner, each claiming three wickets, made quick work of the lower order, leaving the Riders grateful for the rain that spared them further embarrassment.

For the Stags, already eliminated from contention, the performance was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign.

Meanwhile, the Riders will now turn their focus to Friday's highly anticipated final against the Guyana Amazon Warriors, hoping for clearer skies and a chance to defend their title in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.