A commanding all-round performance powered Rajshahi Warriors to their first Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title, as they crushed Chattogram Royals by 63 runs in a one-sided final, headlined by Tanzid Hasan’s scintillating century and a devastating bowling spell from Binura Fernando.
Batting first, Rajshahi posted a competitive 174 for 4, anchored by Tanzid’s brilliant 100 off 62 balls, making him only the third batter in BPL history, after Tamim Iqbal and Chris Gayle, to score a century in a final. In response, Chattogram’s fairytale run ended abruptly as they were bundled out for 111 in 17.5 overs, their chase never gaining momentum.
Rajshahi set the tone early through an 83-run opening stand between Tanzid and Sahibzada Farhan, who contributed a fluent 30 off 30 balls. Tanzid then stitched together a crucial 47-run partnership with Kane Williamson, pacing his innings expertly before exploding late with seven sixes and six fours. He brought up his third T20 hundred in the penultimate over, falling moments later to a standing ovation.
Despite tidy spells from Mukidul Islam (2 for 20) and two wickets from tournament-leading wicket-taker Shoriful Islam, Chattogram were always chasing the game after Tanzid’s onslaught.
Any hopes of a fightback were extinguished early in the chase by Binura Fernando, who ripped through the top and middle order with a sensational spell of 4 for 9. He removed Mohammad Naim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy in his opening burst before returning to dismiss Asif Ali and Shoriful Islam, leaving Chattogram in disarray.
Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad applied further pressure, claiming three wickets, including those of Hassan Nawaz, captain Mahedi Hasan, and Mirza Baig, who top-scored with 39. With wickets tumbling regularly, Chattogram’s chase never threatened Rajshahi’s total.
For Rajshahi Warriors, the victory marked a historic milestone, a maiden BPL crown built on fearless batting and ruthless bowling. For Chattogram Royals, the defeat brought an end to an inspiring underdog campaign, but on the night of the final, it was Rajshahi’s moment, scripted by Tanzid’s bat and sealed by Fernando’s fire.
