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Chattogram beat Rajshahi to seal BPL final
Chattogram Royals confirmed their spot in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final at the first attempt, securing a six-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors in the Qualifier-1 game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
The defeat, however, did not end Rajshahi's campaign, as they will take on Sylhet Titans tomorrow (Wednesday) in Qualifier-2 for a second shot at the final.
A disciplined bowling performance helped Chattogram bowl Rajshahi out for just 133 in 20 overs. Chattogram then chased the target calmly, reaching 134-4 in 19.3 overs.
Led by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain's 2-20 in four overs, Rajshahi bowlers also bowled in disciplined manner and took the game to the deep, leaving Chattogram a requirement of nine runs from the last over.
Skipper Mahedi Hasan struck a six in the second ball to tone down the pressure before taking two runs to sail the side home, remaining unbeaten on 19 off 9 with two sixes.
Opener Mirza Baig was the top-scorer for Chattogram with 45, holding one end with patience on a sluggish wicket before falling in the penultimate over.
His stability, along with opening partner Naim Sheikh's 30, helped Chattogram post a strong start with a 64-run opening stand in 11.3 overs.
Chattogram briefly lost wickets in quick succession, giving Rajshahi a glimmer of hope, but Mahedi's composed finish sealed the victory.
Captain Mahedi earlier led the charge after opting to bowl first, returning impressive figures of 2-20 from his four overs. Pakistan recruit Aamer Jamal also picked up two wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit chipped in with tight and economical spells.
Rajshahi made a cautious start in the sluggish pitch, with openers Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim adding 30 runs before Tanvir Islam provided the breakthrough by dismissing Farhan for 21.
Mahedi then removed his opposite number Najmul Hossain Shanto for 8, a dismissal that triggered a collapse. Rajshahi's middle order struggled badly as Mushfiqur Rahim, Akbar Ali, James Neesham, and Ryal Burl all fell for single-digit scores.
Despite Tanzid's resistance at the top, where he top-scored with a 37-ball 41, Rajshahi slumped to 98-7.
Abdul Gaffar Saqlain offered some late resistance with a fighting 15-ball 32, including two fours and three sixes to push the total to a modest 133, reports BSS.