Tanzim, Mushfiqur lead Rajshahi to victory

Tanzim Hasan Sakib's 4-17 was complemented by Mushfiqur Rahim's valiant 46 not out as Rajshahi Warriors eked out a three-wicket victory against Chattogram Royals in a low-scoring Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) game at Sher-e-Bangladesh National Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

The win confirmed Rajshahi's top spot in the points table with 16 points from 10 matches, while Chattogram Royals and Rangpur Riders were left battling for the second position and a place in Qualifier 1. Chattogram have 12 points while Rangpur have 10 from nine matches.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib's brilliance with the ball helped Rajshahi bundle Chattogram out for just 125 in 19.5 overs but they almost defended the total before Mushfiqur Rahim's valiant effort saw the team home with three balls to spare.

Pacer Shoriful Islam claimed three wickets in 16 balls to leave Rajshahi 21-3, giving the side an ample chance to win the game. Rajshahi's situation worsened further when James Neesham was trapped run out, leaving the side reeling to 31-4.

Mushfiqur and Akbar Ali then steadied the innings with 84-run for the fifth wicket, edging the side closer to victory.

Abu Haider Rony broke through with the wicket of Akbar who made team-best 48 before skipper Mahedi Hasan dismissed Ryan Burl and Tanzim Hasan Sakib in consecutive deliveries in penultimate over, making Chattogram favourite again.

With six runs needing in the last over, Jahandad Khan found an all-important boundary to seal victory for Rajshahi.
Earlier, Jahandad Khan played a second fiddle to Tanzim with two wickets.

James Neesham who returned figures of 1-16 gave the early breakthrough, dismissing Naim Sheikh for duck after Rajshahi captain Najmul Hossain Shanto put Chattogram into bat first.

Tanzim Sakib then appeared into the stage and ably supported by Jahandad ripped through Chattogram middle order, denying any batter to steady the innings.    �"BSS