Mahedi Hasan's All-Round Brilliance Seals Chattogram Royals' Spot in BPL 2025-26 Final

In a thrilling Qualifier 1 clash at Dhaka, Chattogram Royals secured their place in the Bangladesh Premier League 2025-26 final with a commanding six-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors. Captain Mahedi Hasan delivered a match-defining all-round performance, while Mirza Baig's crucial innings set the foundation for the successful chase.

Rajshahi Warriors' Batting Struggles

Batting first, Rajshahi Warriors found themselves in trouble on a challenging Dhaka pitch. Despite opener Tanzid Hasan's composed knock of 41 runs off 37 balls, the Warriors failed to build substantial partnerships throughout the middle order.

Abdul Ghaffar Saqlain provided late fireworks with a blistering 32 off just 15 balls from the lower order, but it proved insufficient as Rajshahi were bowled out for 133 runs off the final ball of their innings.

Mahedi Hasan's Bowling Masterclass

Chattogram's bowling attack executed their plans to perfection, with every bowler contributing to the cause. Captain Mahedi Hasan led from the front with figures of 2 for 20, while Aamer Jamal matched his captain with two wickets of his own. The disciplined bowling effort ensured Rajshahi never gained momentum in the middle overs.

Mirza Baig Anchors the Chase

Chattogram's chase began steadily with openers Mohammad Naim and Mirza Baig constructing a patient 64-run partnership over 11.3 overs. Baig top-scored with 45 runs, providing the stability needed on a tricky surface, while Naim contributed 30 off 38 balls before falling to Saqlain, who claimed 2 for 20 with the ball.

Captain's Knock Seals the Deal

With the required rate climbing, Hassan Nawaz injected momentum with two sixes off Ripon Mondol in the 15th over. Though Nawaz fell to Hasan Murad and Asif Ali departed after hitting a six, captain Mahedi Hasan held his nerve in the crucial final over.

Mahedi sealed the victory with a stunning straight six followed by a flicked two down to fine leg, guiding Chattogram home with composure befitting a leader.

A Remarkable Turnaround for Chattogram

Chattogram's journey to the final is all the more remarkable given the off-field turmoil they faced. Their original owner quit just a day before the BPL began, forcing the Bangladesh Cricket Board to take over ownership. Under the guidance of team director Habibul Bashar and coach Mizanur Rahman, the side has defied expectations to reach the showpiece event.

Eliminator: Chris Woakes' Sensational Last-Ball Six Keeps Sylhet Titans Alive

In a nail-biting Eliminator, Sylhet Titans edged past tournament favourites Rangpur Riders by three wickets, courtesy of a dramatic last-ball six from England all-rounder Chris Woakes.

Khaled Ahmed's Four-Wicket Haul Dismantles Rangpur

Sylhet's bowlers set up the victory with a disciplined display. Khaled Ahmed was the standout performer with exceptional figures of 4 for 15, while debutant Chris Woakes impressed with two wickets. Rangpur limped to 111 for 9, with only Mahmudullah (33) and Khushdil Shah (30) offering resistance on the sluggish Dhaka pitch.

Sylhet's Rocky Chase

The chase proved far from straightforward as Sylhet stumbled to 44 for 4. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Sam Billings steadied the ship with a crucial 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Billings top-scored with 29, while Aliss Al Islam kept Rangpur in the hunt with figures of 2 for 18.

Woakes Delivers Under Pressure

With Mustafizur Rahman conceding just six runs in the penultimate over, Sylhet needed eight runs off the final over bowled by Faheem Ashraf. Moeen Ali's dismissal on the fourth ball left Woakes and Khaled requiring seven off two deliveries.

Khaled took a single, and Woakes responded with a magnificent six over extra cover to seal a memorable victory on his BPL debut.

Road to the Final

Chattogram Royals now await the winner of Qualifier 2, where Rajshahi Warriors will face Sylhet Titans on Wednesday. The losing side from Qualifier 1 gets another chance to make the final, while Sylhet's dramatic survival keeps their title hopes alive.

Future Outlook

Chattogram's blend of local talent and overseas experience, combined with Mahedi Hasan's inspired leadership, makes them formidable contenders for the BPL title. Meanwhile, both Rajshahi and Sylhet will need to address their batting inconsistencies ahead of the crucial Qualifier 2 clash.