Rajshahi Warriors recovered from a mid-innings collapse to post 165 for nine against Sylhet Titans after being sent into bat in the second qualifier of the Bangladesh Premier League on Friday night in Mirpur.
Rajshahi’s innings was shaped by an explosive start from Tanzid Hasan Tamim and a composed recovery led by Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham, giving the side a total they will believe is competitive.
After losing the toss, Rajshahi began brightly. Tanzid and Sahibzada Farhan added 41 for the opening wicket, with Tanzid setting the tempo through aggressive strokeplay. Farhan was the first to go, dismissed for 26 from 21 balls, but the early momentum remained intact.
Rajshahi reached 61 for one at the end of the powerplay, with Williamson anchoring from one end. Tanzid’s innings ended shortly after, for 32 from 15 balls, when the score had moved to 62.
The middle order then faltered. Najmul Hossain Shanto managed just seven from 10 deliveries, while Mushfiqur Rahim and S M Meherob Hossain were both dismissed for ducks, leaving Rajshahi in need of stabilisation.
That came through the calm presence of Williamson and the late acceleration of Neesham. Williamson rotated the strike and kept the innings together, while Neesham attacked the boundary with intent, lifting the scoring rate through the final overs.
Neesham’s 44 from 26 balls provided the decisive surge before he was dismissed with the total past 150. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain added a single run from two balls before falling, while Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 deliveries.
Rajshahi closed on 165 for nine from their 20 overs.
For Sylhet, Salman Irshad was the standout bowler with three wickets. Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed claimed two apiece, while Chris Woakes took one.
