| Rajshahi Warriors delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat Chattogram Royals by 63 runs in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday, sealing their second BPL championship in emphatic fashion.
The title-deciding contest turned out to be one-sided as Rajshahi, led by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, outplayed Chattogram in all departments.
After posting a strong total of 174 for 4 in 20 overs, Rajshahi bowled Chattogram out for just 111.
This marks Rajshahi’s second BPL crown, having previously lifted the trophy in the 2019–20 season under the name Rajshahi Royals.
Cumilla Victorians remain the most successful side in BPL history with four titles, followed by Dhaka with three, while Barishal and Rajshahi now have two titles each. Rangpur Riders have won the tournament once.
After winning the toss, Chattogram captain Shak Mahedi Hasan elected to field.
Rajshahi responded with a flying start as openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Sahibzada Farhan put on 83 runs. Farhan scored a steady 30 off 30 balls before departing.
Tanzid then added 47 runs for the second wicket with Kane Williamson, who struck a brisk 24 off 15 balls before falling to Shoriful Islam. Tanzid continued to dominate the innings, bringing up his century in style. His superb knock of 100 off 62 balls included six fours and seven sixes.
It was Tanzid’s fourth century of the season and made him only the third batter to score a hundred in a BPL final, after Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chipped in with 11 runs, while James Neesham remained unbeaten on 7.
For Chattogram, Shoriful Islam and Mukidul Islam were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each.
Chasing 175, Chattogram Royals never recovered from early setbacks, losing two wickets for just 18 runs. Mohammad Naim scored 9, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck. Hasan Nawaz made 11 off 7 balls before falling.
Mirza Baig and Zahiduzzaman tried to steady the innings, but their slow scoring pushed Chattogram further out of the contest. Baig top-scored with 39 off 36 balls, while Zahiduzzaman managed 11 off 13 deliveries.
Asif Ali briefly threatened with 21 off 16 balls, but Chattogram’s hopes faded quickly as wickets fell in clusters. Amir Jamal scored 8, while Mahedi Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam and Mukidul Islam failed to make an impact.
Rajshahi’s bowlers were outstanding, led by left-arm pacer Binura Fernando, who ripped through the batting line-up with four wickets for just 9 runs in three overs.
Hasan Murad claimed three wickets, while James Neesham took two and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain picked up one.
The comprehensive victory capped a memorable campaign for Rajshahi Warriors, who stamped their authority in the final to lift the BPL trophy in style.
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