Chattogram needs 134 to seal BPL final

Dhaka, 20 Jan - A disciplined bowling performance from Chattogram bowlers helped the side bowl Rajshahi Warriors out for just 133 in 20 overs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today, setting up a target of 134 to win the Qualifier-1 and seal a place in the final.

The team suffering defeat will get a second chance to reach the final when 
they take on Sylhet Titans in Qualifier-2 Wednesday.

Captain Mahedi Hasan led the charge after opting to bowl first, returning 
impressive figures of 2-20 from his four overs. Pakistan recruit Aamer Jamal 
also picked up two wickets, while the rest of the bowling unit chipped in 
with tight and economical spells.

Rajshahi made a cautious start in the sluggish pitch, with openers Sahibzada 
Farhan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim adding 30 runs before Tanvir Islam provided the 
breakthrough by dismissing Farhan for 21.

Mahedi then removed his opposite number Najmul Hossain Shanto for 8, a 
dismissal that triggered a collapse. Rajshahi's middle order struggled badly 
as Mushfiqur Rahim, Akbar Ali, James Neesham, and Ryal Burl all fell for 
single-digit scores.

Despite Tanzid's resistance at the top, where he top-scored with a 37-ball 
41, Rajshahi slumped to 98-7. 

Abdul Gaffar Saqlain offered some late resistance with a fighting 15-ball 32, 
including two fours and three sixes to push the total to a modest 133.BSS