DHAKA, Jan 20, 2026 (BSS)- Chattogram Royals confirmed their spot in the 
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final at the first attempt, securing a six-
wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors in the Qualifier-1 game at Sher-e-
Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

The defeat, however, did not end Rajshahi's campaign, as they will take on 
Sylhet Titans tomorrow (Wednesday) in Qualifier-2 for a second shot at the 
final.

A disciplined bowling performance helped Chattogram bowl Rajshahi out for 
just 133 in 20 overs. Chattogram then chased the target calmly, reaching 134-
4 in 19.3 overs. 

Led by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain's 2-20 in four overs, Rajshahi bowlers also 
bowled in disciplined manner and took the game to the deep, leaving 
Chattogram a requirement of nine runs from the last over. 

Skipper Mahedi Hasan struck a six in the second ball to tone down the 
pressure before taking two runs to sail the side home, remaining unbeaten on 
19 off 9 with two sixes.

Opener Mirza Baig was the top-scorer for Chattogram with 45, holding one end 
with patience on a sluggish wicket before falling in the penultimate over. 

His stability, along with opening partner Naim Sheikh's 30, helped Chattogram 
post a strong start with a 64-run opening stand in 11.3 overs.

Chattogram briefly lost wickets in quick succession, giving Rajshahi a 
glimmer of hope, but Mahedi's composed finish sealed the victory.

Captain Mahedi earlier led the charge after opting to bowl first, returning 
impressive figures of 2-20 from his four overs. Pakistan recruit Aamer Jamal 
also picked up two wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit chipped in 
with tight and economical spells.

Rajshahi made a cautious start in the sluggish pitch, with openers Sahibzada 
Farhan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim adding 30 runs before Tanvir Islam provided the 
breakthrough by dismissing Farhan for 21.

Mahedi then removed his opposite number Najmul Hossain Shanto for 8, a 
dismissal that triggered a collapse. Rajshahi's middle order struggled badly 
as Mushfiqur Rahim, Akbar Ali, James Neesham, and Ryal Burl all fell for 
single-digit scores.

Despite Tanzid's resistance at the top, where he top-scored with a 37-ball 
41, Rajshahi slumped to 98-7. 

Abdul Gaffar Saqlain offered some late resistance with a fighting 15-ball 32, 
including two fours and three sixes to push the total to a modest 133.