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SYLHET: Hasan Nawaz produced a match-winning performance to guide Chattogram Royals to a dramatic two-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors on the final ball of their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 clash on Friday.
After opting to bowl first, Chattogram Royals delivered a disciplined bowling display to restrict Rajshahi Warriors to a modest 128 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Warriors never found momentum with the bat, as wickets fell at regular intervals and no batter managed to post a significant score.
Muhammad Waseem and SM Meherob were the joint top-scorers with 19 runs apiece, while Akbar Ali and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim chipped in with 17 and 15, respectively.
Aamir Jamal led the Royals’ bowling effort with three wickets, while Shoriful Islam and Tanvir Islam claimed two each.
Captain Mahedi Hasan and Hasan Nawaz also contributed with a wicket apiece to complete a collective bowling effort.
The chase, however, was far from straightforward for Chattogram Royals. They were rocked early and found themselves struggling at 28 for 4 inside the power play.
Hasan Nawaz then combined with skipper Mahedi Hasan to steady the innings, adding 40 runs for the fifth wicket and briefly shifting momentum back in the Royals’ favour.
Just as Chattogram looked set to take control, Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed Mahedi Hasan for 28 to reopen the contest.
Asif Ali followed with a crucial 27 off 25 balls, keeping the chase alive alongside Nawaz, but Binura Fernando’s breakthrough once again tilted the balance towards Rajshahi.
The match went down to the wire, with Chattogram needing 10 runs in the final over.
Nawaz rose to the occasion, striking eight runs off the first three deliveries.
Despite two consecutive dot balls from SM Meherob, Nawaz kept his composure and scampered back for a decisive double off the final delivery to seal a thrilling win.
Hasan Nawaz remained unbeaten on 35 off 36 balls, anchoring the chase under pressure and proving decisive with both bat and ball.
With this victory, Chattogram Royals consolidated their position at the top of the BPL points table, while Rajshahi Warriors remain fourth as the league stage intensifies.
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