Najmul Hossain Shanto smashed a commanding century as Rajshahi Warriors outclassed Sylhet Titans by eight wickets in the opening match of the 12th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Friday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Batting first, Sylhet posted a competitive 190 for the loss of several wickets in their 20 overs. The innings began briskly with Saim Ayub hammering 28 off 15 balls, while Rony Talukdar added a steady 41 from 34 deliveries.
The middle order provided the real momentum. Wicketkeeper-batter Parvez Hossain Emon struck a blistering 65 off 33 balls, smashing five sixes, while Afif Hossain chipped in with a rapid 33 off 19 before being run out late in the innings.
For Rajshahi, Sandeep Lamichhane claimed two wickets, while Binura Fernando and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up one apiece.
In reply, Rajshahi stumbled early, losing both openers cheaply. The setback proved minor as skipper Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim seized control of the chase.
The experienced duo stitched together a match-winning 130-run partnership, calmly dismantling the Sylhet bowling attack. Shanto remained unbeaten on 101 off 60 balls, registering his second BPL century, while Mushfiqur sealed the victory with a boundary, finishing on 51 off 31 balls—Shanto was named player of the match.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
