Chattogram Royals continued their dominant run in the Bangladesh Premier League with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Sylhet Strikers, powered by storming half-centuries from Naim Sheikh and Adam Rossington. The win, their third of the season, keeps Chattogram at the top of the points table, while Sylhet remain fourth with two wins.
Chasing a target of 128, Chattogram’s openers laid a solid foundation, putting on 115 runs before the loss of their first wicket. Naim and Rossington combined for 52 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket, and by the halfway mark, the team had reached 93 without loss after ten overs.
Rossington reached his half-century off 37 balls, while the team crossed the 100-run mark in 11.2 overs. Naim followed soon after, scoring a 33-ball 50 before being caught long-on off Rahatul Ferdous’s delivery. Naim finished with 52 runs from 37 balls. Rossington, unbeaten, guided the team home, ending on 73 from 53 balls, with Sadman Islam contributing three runs off six balls to seal victory with 24 balls to spare.
Sylhet Strikers, making three changes to their playing XI, struggled from the outset, losing wickets at regular intervals. Opener Miraj and top-order batsmen Hazratullah Zazai, Zakir Hasan, and Ethan Brooks all returned to the dressing room cheaply. Afif Hossain, in particular, was unable to make an impact.
Parvez Iman and Omarzai tried to steady the innings for the hosts. Omarzai managed a 41-ball 44, while Iman scored 17 off 22 balls before being dismissed by Amer Jamal. Rahatul Ferdous added 17 and Nasum 13, leaving Sylhet at 126 for seven in their 20 overs. Mirza Tahir Baig and Mehedi each claimed two wickets for Chattogram.
Chattogram Royals’ earlier 10-wicket win over Dhaka Capitals makes this a perfect start to their BPL campaign, highlighting their top-order firepower and strong all-round performance.
