Mahedi leads by example as Chattogram down Rajshahi to reach BPL final

Chattogram Royals became the first team to qualify for the final of the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 after securing a six-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors in the first qualifier in Mirpur on Tuesday.

In another low-scoring contest on a tricky surface at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Chattogram chased down a target of 134, reaching 134-4 in 19.3 overs. The end-game scenario mirrored the earlier eliminator, with nine runs required from the final over.

However, captain Mahedi Hasan held his nerve, striking pacer Ripon Mondol for a six off the second ball of the over before adding two runs from the third. He remained unbeaten on 19 off nine balls, steering his side safely into the final hurdle of the competition's 12th edition.

Earlier, opting to bowl first, Chattogram bundled Rajshahi out for 133 off the final ball of the innings. Mahedi and pacer Aamer Jamal claimed two wickets apiece.

For Rajshahi, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim top-scored with 41 off 37 balls, while Abdul Gaffar Saqlain provided late impetus with a brisk 32 off 15 balls, including two fours and three sixes, lifting the total beyond 130 after Rajshahi slumped to 98-7 in the 17th over.

Chattogram’s chase began steadily, with Mirza Tahir Baig and Mohammad Naim adding 64 runs for the opening stand. Naim fell for 30, while Tahir’s 45 off 47 balls anchored the innings despite late strikes by Saqlain, Hasan Murad, and Binura Fernando.

Mahedi’s late flourish, however, ensured a smooth passage into the final for Chattogram, who overcame early off-field uncertainty before the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) stepped in to take charge of the franchise.