Rajshahi Warriors clinched their maiden Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title with a commanding 63-run victory over Chattogram Royals in the final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday night.
Chasing 175, Chattogram were bowled out for 111 as Rajshahi’s bowlers struck regularly and never allowed the Royals to settle. Left-arm seamer Binura Fernando led the attack with a decisive four-wicket haul, dismantling the middle and lower order.
Fernando removed key batters early and later returned to dismiss Asif Ali and Shoriful Islam in the same over, effectively ending Chattogram’s hopes. Hasan Murad provided strong support with a career-best three wickets.
Earlier, Tanzid Hasan produced a match-defining innings to set up Rajshahi’s victory. The opener scored a superb 100 off 62 balls, hitting seven sixes and anchoring the innings after Rajshahi chose to bat first following the toss.
Rajshahi started cautiously, reaching 40 without loss in the powerplay. Tanzid then shifted gears, reaching his half-century in just 29 balls and dominating the Chattogram attack. He shared a 47-run partnership with Kane Williamson, who scored 24 off 15 balls.
Despite a few dropped catches, Tanzid remained composed and reached his third BPL century, becoming the first Bangladeshi to score three hundreds in the tournament and the first to score a century in a BPL final. He was dismissed shortly after reaching the milestone, with Rajshahi finishing on 174 for 4.
Shoriful Islam closed the innings by dismissing Najmul Hossain Shanto on the final ball, claiming his 26th wicket of the season and setting a new BPL record.
Chattogram’s chase faltered early. Mohammad Naim Sheikh and Mahmudul Hasan Joy were dismissed in the third over, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Mirza Baig offered some resistance with 39 off 36 balls, while Asif Ali added 21, but the lack of partnerships proved costly.
Rajshahi lifted the BPL trophy in their debut season, marking the second BPL title for a Rajshahi-based franchise overall. Chattogram Royals, who reached the final following an ownership change before the tournament, remain without a championship.
Rajshahi’s title triumph capped a dominant all-round performance, driven by Tanzid Hasan’s historic century and a disciplined bowling display under pressure.
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