Dhaka, Jan 24 (V7N) — Rajshahi Warriors crowned themselves champions of the 12th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after defeating Chittagong Royals by a commanding 63-run margin in the final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a challenging target of 175 runs, Chittagong Royals collapsed under pressure and were bowled out for just 111 runs with 13 balls remaining, turning the title clash into a one-sided affair. Under the leadership of Nazmul Hossain Shantara, Rajshahi secured their second BPL title, having previously won the trophy in the 2019–20 season as Rajshahi Royals.

Earlier, Chittagong captain Sheikh Mehedi Hasan won the toss and opted to field. Rajshahi’s innings got off to a flying start as openers Tanjid Hasan and Sahibzada Farhan put on an impressive 83-run partnership. Farhan was dismissed after scoring a steady 30 off 30 balls.

Tanjid continued his onslaught and completed a brilliant century, before being dismissed on the final ball of the 19th over. At that point, Rajshahi had reached 163 for 3. The left-handed opener also created history by becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to score three centuries in BPL history.

Rajshahi added another 11 runs in the final over to finish on 174 runs, losing one more wicket. For Chittagong, Shariful Islam and Mukidul Islam claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Chittagong’s batting lineup faltered from the outset. Opener Mohammad Naeem Sheikh managed only 9 runs off 10 balls, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for a duck. The third wicket fell at 39 runs, with Hasan Newaz scoring 11 off 7 balls.

A brief resistance came through Mirza Baig and wicketkeeper Zahiduzzaman, but their slow scoring rate pushed the game further out of reach. Zahiduzzaman scored 11 off 13 balls, while Mirza Baig top-scored for Chittagong with 39 off 36 balls.

Among the remaining batters, Asif Ali contributed 21 off 16 balls, but none of the others reached double figures as Chittagong were comprehensively outplayed.

With this emphatic victory, Rajshahi Warriors reaffirmed their dominance, while Chittagong Royals’ wait for a maiden BPL title continues.

END/SMA/AJ