Rajshahi Claim Second BPL Title as Tanvirs Century Crushes Chattogram

Rajshahi Warriors stamped their authority on the grand stage, rising above pressure and expectations to lift the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) trophy for the second time. On January 23 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Rajshahi outclassed Chattogram Royals by 63 runs to become champions of the 12th edition of the tournament under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Batting first after losing the toss on Friday, Rajshahi made a flying start. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim put together an 83-run partnership in just 10.2 overs. Farhan departed after scoring 30 runs off 30 balls, but Tamim continued his onslaught at the other end. The Bangladeshi opener reached his half-century off 29 balls and went on to complete a historic century in a BPL final, reaching the three-figure mark in the next 31 deliveries. This was his third century in the BPL.

Powered by Tamim’s innings, Rajshahi posted 174 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs. Tamim scored a brilliant 100 off 61 balls before getting out in the 18.5th over. Kane Williamson contributed a quick 24 off 15 balls, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added 11 runs from 7 balls at the end.

Chasing 175, Chattogram’s batting lineup collapsed from the very beginning. Losing wickets at regular intervals, they were eventually bowled out for 111 in 17.5 overs. Pakistani opener Miraj Beg was the top scorer with 39 runs, while fellow countryman Asif Ali managed 21. In a high-pressure final, seven Chattogram batters failed to reach double figures, resulting in their third defeat in a BPL final.

Rajshahi’s bowling attack was led by Sri Lankan pacer Binu Fernando, who delivered a sensational spell, claiming 4 wickets for just 9 runs in 3 overs. Hasan Murad picked up 3 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs, while James Neesham chipped in with 2 wickets.

For Chattogram, Shariful Islam and Mukidul Islam took two wickets each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent defeat as Rajshahi Warriors combined dominant batting with disciplined bowling to seal a comprehensive victory.