Chattogram Royals pulled off a thrilling win against Rajshahi Warriors in a tense low scoring match, sealing victory on the final ball. The result kept Chattogram firmly at the top of the points table and added another close finish to this season’s BPL.
Chasing 129, Chattogram never found early comfort. They lost wickets at regular intervals and stayed under pressure throughout the chase. Adam Rossington got into double figures but failed to push on. Naim Sheikh and Mahmudul Hasan Joy were dismissed cheaply, while Shadman Islam fell for a golden duck.
Captain Sheikh Mehedi Hasan tried to calm things down. He played a steady knock of 28 from 25 balls. Once he was dismissed, the match again swung in Rajshahi’s favour.
At that stage, Hasan Nawaz and Asif Ali took charge. They played carefully and kept the scoreboard moving. Asif Ali scored 27 from 25 balls before getting out. Hasan Nawaz then took full control of the chase. He stayed unbeaten on 35 from 36 balls and finished the match on the last delivery.
Earlier, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Chattogram chose to field after winning the toss. Rajshahi started in positive fashion but lost their way soon. The dismissal of Mohammad Wasim in the fourth over triggered a collapse.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Tanzid Hasan Tamim could not make an impact. No batter managed to reach 20. Mohammad Wasim and S M Meherob were the top scorers with 19 runs each. Mushfiqur Rahim and Ryan Burl reached double figures but failed to stay long.
Akbar Ali, playing his first match of the season, scored 17 from 16 balls. Tanzim Hasan Sakib remained unbeaten on 14 from 14 balls. Rajshahi finished on 128 for nine in their 20 overs.
Aamer Jamal led Chattogram’s bowling attack. He took three wickets for 23 runs. Shariful Islam and Tanvir Islam backed him up well and claimed two wickets each with tight bowling spells.
