With the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) playoffs confirmed for four teams, Rajshahi Royals and Chattogram Royals faced off in a high-stakes encounter on Saturday. Rajshahi secured a convincing three-wicket victory, cementing their position at the top of the points table and qualifying for the Super Four as the group stage leaders.
Chattogram, sent in to bat, struggled from the outset. Shariful Islam removed both openers, Shahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim, early in the innings. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jimmy Neesham were also unable to make an impact, with Shoriful claiming Shanto’s wicket to leave the Royals reeling.
Rajshahi’s innings recovered through a crucial fifth-wicket partnership between experienced Mushfiqur Rahim and Akbar Ali, who added 84 runs together. Akbar fell for 48, and Ryan Burl was dismissed for a duck shortly afterwards, leaving Rajshahi briefly under pressure. Tanzim Sakib (2) and Abu Hider Roni were then dismissed by Sheikh Mahedi, further tightening the contest.
Mushfiqur Rahim, however, anchored the chase alongside Jahandad Khan. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 46 off 41 balls, guiding Rajshahi to a comfortable victory.
Earlier, Chattogram Royals’ innings had been dismantled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Ryan Burl. Saqib was the star with four wickets, taking advantage of a disciplined bowling display to bowl the Royals out for just 125. Jimmy Neesham had dismissed Mohammad Naim Sheikh for a duck to kickstart Rajshahi’s dominance.
Sakib’s spell also accounted for Mohammad Haris, Asif Ali, Aamer Jamal, and Abu Hider Roni. Ryan Burl chipped in with the wickets of Hasan Nawaz and Sheikh Mahedi. Chattogram’s highest scorer was Asif Ali, who made 31 runs. Sakib finished with figures of 4 for 17, while Ryan Burl claimed 2 for 15 in two overs, and Jahandad Khan took 2 for 29.
With this commanding performance, Rajshahi Royals not only booked their place in the Super Four but did so as the most consistent side in the group stage.
