Rajshahi Warriors got off to a flying start to their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 campaign as captain Najmul Hossain Sandhu smashed a sensational century to lead his side to a comfortable win against Sylhet Titans on Friday.
Chasing a challenging target of 191, Rajshahi faced an early blow when opener Danzid Hasan was dismissed for 10 runs in the third over, leaving the team at 19 for 1.
Sandow, however, took charge of the innings, initially securing the chase with Pakistan batsman Sahibzada Farhan.
The duo added 43 runs for the second wicket before Mehdi Hasan Miraz broke the partnership, sending Farhan to a 19-ball 20.
Veteran wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim then joined Shando and the pair put on an unbeaten 130 off 71 balls.
Shando scored an unbeaten 101 off 60 balls with 10 fours and 5 sixes while Mushfiqur scored a fluent 51 off 31 balls including 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Rajshahi Warriors made a statement in their first BPL outing and crossed the line comfortably.
Earlier, Rajshahi won the toss and opted to field on a day that began with an emotional tribute. Players, officials and fans observed a minute’s silence for slain youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi before the first ball of the season.
Batting first, Sylhet Titans got off to a promising start with Pakistan opener Saim Ayub scoring 28 off 15 balls before falling to Binura Fernando.
Ronnie Talukdar steadied the innings at the other end, scoring 41 off 34 balls before being dismissed by Nepali leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichane.
The Titans regained momentum with a quick 86-run partnership between Pervez Hossain Emon and Afif Hossain.
Afif was run out for 33 off 19 balls but Emman carried his bat well, scoring an unbeaten 65 off 33 balls with 4 fours and 5 sixes.