Sylhet Titans vs Rajshahi Warriors Highlights, 1st BPL Match | Dec 26: RJW defeat SYT by 8 wickets, Rajshahi Warriors win BPL Opener

SYT vs RJW 1st Bangladesh Premier League BPL Highlights set the tone for the 2025/26 season as Rajshahi Warriors produced a composed chase to secure an eight-wicket victory at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Chasing 191, Rajshahi reached the target with two balls to spare, moving ahead 1–0 in the series. The match hinged on controlled middle overs and a decisive unbeaten century.

The toss went Rajshahi Warriors’ way, and the decision to field first was shaped by a surface that offered value for stroke play once batters settled. Sylhet Titans began aggressively, with Saim Ayub striking early boundaries before falling inside the powerplay. Rony Talukdar provided stability through the middle phase, while Hazratullah Zazai’s stay was brief as spin tightened its grip.

Sylhet’s innings found momentum through Parvez Hossain Emon, whose unbeaten 65 off 33 balls transformed a steady platform into a commanding total. Afif Hossain’s late acceleration further lifted the run rate, pushing Sylhet to 190 for 5. Rajshahi’s bowlers absorbed pressure rather than forcing errors, with Sandeep Lamichhane’s two wickets in four overs preventing a late surge beyond reach.

Rajshahi’s reply began cautiously, losing both openers inside eight overs. At 62 for 2, the chase demanded composure rather than power. Najmul Hossain Shanto assumed control, rotating strike efficiently before expanding his range. The middle overs saw Rajshahi manage risk intelligently, keeping the required rate in check despite Sylhet’s attempts to force breakthroughs.

The decisive shift arrived as Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim stitched together a partnership that erased uncertainty. Shanto’s progression from anchor to aggressor was measured, bringing up his fifty and later a century without undue risk. Mushfiqur complemented him with timely boundaries, ensuring the equation remained manageable. Rajshahi crossed 150 with overs in hand and closed the chase with calm assurance.

Sylhet’s bowling lacked a sustained middle-overs squeeze, and despite using seven bowlers, wickets were scarce once the key partnership settled. The absence of regular strikes allowed Rajshahi to dictate tempo, underlining the value of adaptability in a high chase.

Toss Winner

Rajshahi Warriors called correctly at the toss and chose to put Sylhet Titans in to bat first.

Key Moment

Najmul Hossain Shanto reaching his century off 58 balls during the chase decisively tilted the match, converting a competitive target into a controlled finish as Rajshahi moved ahead without further loss.

Star Performer / MVP

Najmul Hossain Shanto defined the match with an unbeaten 101 off 60 balls, anchoring and accelerating the chase to secure victory.

Sylhet Titans vs Rajshahi Warriors Match Summary

SYT vs RJW Playing XI

Sylhet Titans: Saim Ayub, Rony Talukdar, Hazratullah Zazai, Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain, Ethan Brookes, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nasum Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Khaled Ahmed, Ruyel Miah

Rajshahi Warriors: Sahibzada Farhan, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim, Yasir Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, SM Meherob, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Binura Fernando, Sandeep Lamichhane