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Published : 23 Jan 2026, 08:11 PM
Rajshahi Warriors opener Tanzid Hasan smashed a scintillating century to put his side firmly in contention for a maiden Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title in the final against Chattogram Royals.
His innings held the innings together after early pressure, keeping Rajshahi on course in a tense title decider that also saw a landmark bowling effort from Shoriful Islam.
The final was played at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Friday, with Chattogram opting to field first after winning the toss in the evening fixture.
Rajshahi made a steady start without losing a wicket in the powerplay, reaching 40 without loss in six overs.
Tanzid and Sahibzada Farhan then took the innings by the scruff of the neck, putting on a 50-run opening stand before raising the tempo.
Tanzid raced to his fifty off just 31 balls, smashing six sixes and two fours as Rajshahi passed 80 without loss after 10 overs.
The first breakthrough came in the 11th over when Mukidul Islam accounted for Farhan, who had made a measured 30 from 30 balls, including a six and two boundaries.
Tanzid remained unbeaten and joined Kane Williamson, who looked set but fell to Shoriful for 24 off 15 balls.
Williamson had attempted a big hit following a six off the previous delivery, only to be caught, and his dismissal also marked Shoriful’s 25th wicket of the tournament -- equaling the BPL record for most wickets in a single season, previously held by Taskin Ahmed.
The wicket ended a 47-run partnership off 32 balls.
By the 16th over, Rajshahi were 132 for two, with Tanzid still at the crease alongside James Neesham.
Earlier, Tanzid had survived a crucial let-off when Mukidul dropped a straightforward chance at fine leg off Aamer Jamal on 54.
Rajshahi made a single change for the final, bringing in left-arm spinner Hasan Murad for Md Rubel, while Chattogram stuck with the same XI.
Rajshahi fielded four overseas players -- Williamson, Neesham, Sahibzada, and Binura Fernando -- compared to Chattogram’s quartet of Mirza Baig, Hasan Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Jamal.
The final capped a turbulent season, with schedule changes, ownership issues, and player protests.
Adding to the drama, the $25,000 diamond-studded trophy was unveiled only shortly before the match -- a rare scene even in a BPL season known for its unpredictability.
