Chattogram Royals became the first team to reach the final of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 after a six-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors in the first qualifier at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.
In another low-scoring contest on a tricky pitch, Chattogram successfully chased down a target of 134, finishing at 134-4 in 19.3 overs. The match mirrored the tension of the earlier eliminator, with nine runs needed in the final over.
With the pressure mounting, captain Mahedi Hasan held his nerve in the final over, crushing pacer Ripon Mondol for a six off the second delivery and adding two more runs off the next ball. Mahedi remained unbeaten on 19 from nine balls, guiding his side safely into the final of the 12th edition of the BPL.
Earlier, Chattogram Royals chose to bowl first and bowled Rajshahi Warriors out for 133 on the very last ball of the innings. The Royalsβ bowling attack was led by captain Mahedi Hasan and Aamer Jamal, each claiming two crucial wickets.
For Rajshahi, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim top-scored with 41 off 37 balls, while Abdul Gaffar Saqlain provided late momentum with a swift 32 off 15, including two fours and three sixes, lifting the total beyond 130 after Rajshahi had slumped to 98-7 in the 17th over.
Chattogramβs run chase began on a solid note, with Mirza Tahir Baig and Mohammad Naim adding 64 runs for the opening partnership. Naim fell for 30, while Tahir anchored the innings with 45 off 47 balls, holding the chase together despite late breakthroughs by Saqlain, Hasan Murad, and Binura Fernando.
The journey to the final was not without its challenges. Chattogram Royals faced early off-field uncertainty before the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) intervened and took charge of the franchise, ensuring its participation in the tournament continued smoothly.
Chattogram Royals now await their opponent in the BPL final, where they will compete for the championship after a confident performance in the first qualifier.
