Tanzid Hasan Tamim produced a scintillating innings in the Bangladesh Premier League final on Friday, scoring his third BPL century to lead Rajshahi Warriors to a commanding total of 174 for 4 in 20 overs against Chattogram Royals. His 61-ball hundred, featuring seven sixes and six fours, made him the Bangladeshi batter with the highest number of centuries in BPL history and only the third player overall to score a century in a BPL final, joining Chris Gayle (2017) and Tamim Iqbal (2019).
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Tanzid and opener Sahibzada Farhan put the Royals under immediate pressure with an 83-run opening stand. Tanzid contributed 52 off 32 balls, while Farhan got off to a rapid start, setting the tone for the innings. Tanzid reached his second fifty of the season in just 29 balls, attacking from the outset. Despite a brief slowdown due to physical strain, he maintained composure, bringing up his century with a single to cover in the 19th over and celebrating with a fist pump followed by a heart shape to the gallery where his family cheered.
Unfortunately, he was dismissed on the very next ball at deep third man, edging Mukidul Islam to Aamer Jamal. Throughout his innings, Tanzid survived two crucial chances—first on 54, off Mukidul at deep square leg, and later on 88, off Asif Ali at cover. His innings included four sixes off off-spinner Shak Mahedi Hasan, despite the bowler holding the matchup advantage.
Despite Tanzid’s heroics, Rajshahi could not fully accelerate in the closing overs. Kane Williamson added a brisk 24 off 15 balls before falling to Shoriful Islam, while the remaining middle order offered little late impetus.
Left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam also created history, claiming 26 wickets in the season—the highest by any bowler in a single BPL campaign, surpassing Taskin Ahmed’s 25-wicket record from the previous season.
Later, Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando played a crucial role in sealing Rajshahi’s victory. In the third over, he dismissed Mohammad Naim Sheikh and Mahmudul Hasan Joy within three balls. He later returned in the 17th over to remove Asif Ali and Shoriful Islam, effectively ending Chattogram Royals’ chase.
Chattogram Royals struggled to chase the 175-run target. They lost wickets at regular intervals: Zahiduzzaman fell for 11 off 13 balls, Mahedi Hasan managed just 4 off 5 balls, and Mirza Baig’s resistance was broken by Hasan Murad, stumped for 39. Amir Jamal hit a six but was bowled next ball. At 17 overs, Chattogram were 111 for 9, and Rajshahi’s victory was all but sealed.
In the 18th over, Abdul Gaffar’s delivery enabled Mukidul to take a crucial catch at mid-wicket, confirming Rajshahi Warriors as the 12th BPL champions with a 63-run victory. Players, coaches, and officials celebrated on the field, bringing the season to a triumphant close.
