Shanto’s Classy Century Leads Rajshahi Warriors to Winning Start in BPL Opener

The BPL 2025/26 got started with a bang in Sylhet, and yet it was the Rajshahi Warriors who got the ground smiling. Rajshahi Warriors needed 191 to win and comfortably reached 192/2, completing the chase with two balls remaining. They won on the back of a brilliant 101 not out by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, who hit the milestone in 60 balls only.

Sylhet Set Up a Strong Total

Sylhet Titans posted a competitive 190 for 5 after being asked to bat first. Their innings was built around an excellent knock from Parvez Hossain Emon, who smashed an unbeaten 65 off 33 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes.

He found support from:

• Rony Talukdar - 41 off 34
• Afif Hossain - 33 off 19
• Saim Ayub - 28 off 15

Despite starting well, Sylhet struggled to finish strongly, with Rajshahi’s bowlers maintaining excellent control at the death. Sandeep Lamichhane was impressive with 2 for 38, while Binura Fernando and Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up one wicket each. 

Rajshahi Lost Early wickets, But Shanto Stood Tall

Rajshahi’s chase began shakily; they lost Tanzid Hasan for 10 and Sahibzada Farhan for 20, leaving the score at 62 for 2.

But from there, the match turned into the Shanto show, as he rotated the strike beautifully and punished loose deliveries while smashing 10 boundaries and 5 sixes.

Partnering with him at the other end, Mushfiqur Rahim played the perfect support role. The experienced wicketkeeper added 51 not out off 31 balls, helping Rajshahi build a match-winning stand.

Together, Shanto and Mushfiqur stitched an unbeaten partnership of 130 runs, completely taking the game away from Sylhet.

Bowlers Struggle to Stop the Momentum

Sylhet’s bowlers tried everything, but they simply couldn’t contain Rajshahi once the partnership settled.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the only bowler to strike in the middle overs, while Khaled Ahmed removed Tanzid but found little support from the rest of the attack, as the other bowlers leaked runs under pressure.

Rajshahi reached the target in 19.4 overs, making the chase look much easier than it really was.

Player of the Match

Najmul Hossain Shanto (101* off 60 balls) for his captain’s knock that set the tone for Rajshahi’s season and immediately put them on top of the BPL points table.

Key Match Highlights

• Sylhet Titans: 190/5
• Rajshahi Warriors: 192/2
• Rajshahi won by 8 wickets
• Shanto: 101 (60)*