Ranjane holds nerve as Rotterdam Dockers edge Edinburgh Castle Rockers by five runs

Dublin, 15 September 2026: Shubham Ranjane delivered an influential all-round performance as Rotterdam Dockers held off Edinburgh Castle Rockers by five runs in a tense European T20 Premier League contest at Malahide on Tuesday.

After electing to bat, Rotterdam posted 181 for six from their 20 overs, built around a fluent half-century from captain Faf du Plessis and an aggressive contribution from Heinrich Klaasen. Du Plessis struck 54 from 35 balls, including nine fours, while Klaasen made 47 from 27 with five fours and two sixes.

Colin Munro gave the Dockers early momentum with 26 from 18 before du Plessis and Klaasen strengthened the innings through the middle overs. David Wiese then provided a useful late push with an unbeaten 17 from eight balls. Reece Topley and Tom Curran claimed two wickets apiece for Edinburgh.

Chasing 182, the Rockers lost Andries Gous early but recovered through Brandon McMullen, who hit 47 from 30 balls. JJ Smuts contributed 25 before Ranjane shifted the momentum with a disciplined spell.

The all-rounder removed Smuts, Laurie Evans and Gareth Delany, finishing with three for 22 from four overs as Edinburgh slipped to 118 for five.

Mitchell Santner and Curran refused to surrender, adding an unbeaten 58 for the sixth wicket. Curran struck three sixes in his 33 not out from 18 balls, while Santner finished unbeaten on 39.

Their late charge took Edinburgh to 176 for five, but Rotterdam defended the final runs to secure a five-run victory and two points.

Scores in brief:

Rotterdam Dockers won by five runs

Rotterdam Dockers 181-6, 20 overs (Faf du Plessis 54, Heinrich Klaasen 47, Colin Munro 26; Reece Topley 2-36, Tom Curran 2-38)

Edinburgh Castle Rockers 176-5, 20 overs (Brandon McMullen 47, Mitchell Santner 39 not out, Tom Curran 33 not out; Shubham Ranjane 3-22, Jasper Davidson 2-42)

Player of the Match: Shubham Ranjane