Dhaka, December 26, 2025: Rajshahi Warriors began their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 campaign on a high note as captain Najmul Hossain Shanto played a commanding century to lead his side to a comfortable win over Sylhet Titans on Friday.
Chasing 191, Rajshahi suffered an early setback when opener Tanzid Hasan was dismissed for 10 in the third over, leaving the team at 19 for 1. Shanto, however, took charge, initially stabilising the innings alongside Pakistan batter Sahibzada Farhan. The pair added 43 runs for the second wicket before Mehidy Hasan Miraz broke the partnership, dismissing Farhan for 20 off 19 balls.
Veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim then joined Shanto, and the duo turned the game with a match-winning unbeaten partnership of 130 runs off just 71 deliveries. Shanto remained unbeaten on 101 off 60 balls, hitting ten boundaries and five sixes, while Mushfiqur contributed a fluent 51 off 31 balls, including four fours and two sixes. Rajshahi comfortably crossed the line, announcing their intent in the season opener.
Earlier, Rajshahi opted to field after winning the toss. The day began with a minute’s silence to honor slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi.
Sylhet Titans posted a competitive total of 190 for 5 in 20 overs. Pakistan opener Saim Ayub struck a brisk 28 off 15 balls before falling to Binura Fernando. Rony Talukdar added 41 off 34 deliveries, while Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane dismissed him. Afif Hossain’s quickfire 33 off 19 balls and Parvez Hossain Emon’s unbeaten 65 from 33 balls, featuring four fours and five sixes, propelled Sylhet to a challenging total.
Rajshahi Warriors’ clinical chase, led by Shanto and Mushfiqur, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting BPL season.
