Rajshahi Warriors edged past Chattogram Royals in a nail-biting finish, sealing victory with three wickets in hand in the penultimate ball of the match at Mirpur on Saturday.
Chasing a modest target, Rajshahi needed six runs in the final over. Mushfiqur Rahim took a single off the first ball from Arafat Sunny before Jahandad Khan smashed a four and then calmly picked up a single to secure the win.
Earlier, Chattogram were bowled out for 125 in 19.5 overs after opting to bat first.
Asif Ali top-scored with a fighting 39, while Rajshahi reached the target at 126 for 7 in 19.3 overs.
Rajshahi’s chase got off to a poor start as both openers fell cheaply—Tanzid Tamim scored 8 and Sahibzada Farhan made 7. Najmul Hossain Shanto managed only 3 at No.3, and Jimmy Neesham also departed for 3, leaving the side struggling at 31 for 4.
The innings was steadied by Mushfiqur Rahim and Akbar Ali, who added a crucial partnership.
Akbar struck 48 off 41 balls, while Mushfiqur scored a composed 46 off 41 deliveries. Jahandad Khan’s unbeaten 5 off two balls ensured Rajshahi crossed the line.
For Chattogram, the innings faltered early with in-form Nayeem dismissed for a duck, breaking a 10-run opening stand.
Mohammad Haris scored 16 off 11 balls, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy added 19 off 13, but none of the middle-order batters could convert their starts. At one stage, Chattogram were reeling at 74 for 7.
Asif Ali provided late resistance, smashing four sixes in his 39 off 24 balls to lift Chattogram to a competitive total, but it ultimately fell just short in a tense finish.
SH
