Mushfiq, Tanzim steer Rajshahi past Chattogram Royals by three wickets

After Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s brilliant bowling performance, the veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim shone with the bat in the ongoing Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and guided Rajshahi Warriors to a three-wicket victory against Chattogram Royals on Saturday at the Mirpur Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Rajshahi won the toss and elected to bowl, Mohammad Haris and Naim Sheikh from Chattogram Royals came to the pitch. In-form Naim went back to the pavilion on duck, and Haris got out on 16 runs. Other batters lost their balance, Asif Ali added an important 39 runs as Chattogram ended on 125 in 20 overs. Tanzim Sakib bowled exceptionally well, bagging four wickets, conceding just 17 runs with a maiden. Jahandad Khan and Ryan Burl also picked two wickets each.

Chasing 126, both Rajshahi's top order lost their wickets earlier, Sahibzada Farhan got out on 7, and Tanzid lost his on just 8 runs. The captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, also failed as he got out on 3 runs by Shoriful Islam. Then the wicketkeeper batter Mushfiq and Akbar Ali controlled the innings, Mushfiq made 46 not out, and Akbar contributed 48 for 41.

With three balls remaining, Rajshahi Warriors edged Chattogram by three wickets. Akbar was named the player of the match for his overall engagement in the game.