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SYLHET: Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered a statement performance in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 opener, striking a composed yet commanding century to lead Rajshahi Warriors to a convincing victory over Sylhet Titans on Friday.
Chasing a competitive target of 191, Rajshahi suffered an early setback when opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for 10 in the third over with just 19 runs on the board.
Shanto then took control of the chase, first steadying the innings alongside Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan.
The pair added 43 runs for the second wicket before Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the stand, removing Farhan for a scratchy 20 off 19 balls.
Veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim joined his skipper, and the duo completely shifted the momentum with a match-winning, unbeaten partnership of 130 runs off just 71 deliveries.
Najmul Hossain Shanto anchored the chase with an assured 101 not out from 60 balls, laced with ten boundaries and five sixes, while Mushfiqur provided the finishing touches with a fluent 51* off 31 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
Rajshahi Warriors crossed the line comfortably, underlining their intent in their first-ever BPL outing.
Earlier, the Warriors elected to field after winning the toss against fellow debutants Sylhet Titans on a day that began on an emotional note.
Before the first ball of the season, players from both teams, match officials, and fans observed a minute’s silence as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) paid tribute to slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
Batting first, Sylhet Titans made a strong start through Pakistan opener Saim Ayub, who struck a brisk 28 off 15 balls before falling to Binura Fernando.
Rony Talukdar played the anchor role at the other end, scoring 41 off 34 deliveries before Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed him.
The innings gained further momentum through a rapid 86-run stand between Parvez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain.
Afif was run out after a quickfire 33 off 19 balls, but Emon carried his bat superbly, finishing unbeaten on 65 from 33 deliveries, which included four fours and five sixes. Sylhet posted a competitive 190 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.
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