Sylhet: Pakistan’s Mirza Tahir Baig scored a half-century on his Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) debut as Chattogram Royals cruised to a 65-run win over Nogali Express in the second match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Royals skipper Mahedi Hasan’s decision to bat first paid off as his team amassed 174/6 in the allotted 20 overs.
Anchored by 7 fours and 2 sixes to score 80 off 69 balls, he was in control of the Royals’ innings until he fell to Hasan Mahmud on the final delivery of the innings.
Tahir Baig was adjudged man of the match for his half-century.
Apart from him, captain Hasan and middle-order batsman Mahmudul Hasan Joy scored brisk 26 and 17 runs respectively.
For Express, Sabir Hossain took 2 wickets while Mehdi Hasan Rana, Zahir Khan, Mas Sadaq and Mahmood took one each.
Chasing a target of 175 runs, Express were bowled out for 109 runs in 16.5 overs.
Emerging Pakistan all-rounder Maz Sadaq remained the Express’ top scorer with a blistering 38 off 27 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes, followed by compatriot Haider Ali’s 28 off 24 balls.
Apart from the Pakistan pair, only Habibur Rahman Sohan (15) scored double figures against Royals’ disciplined bowling attack.
Tanveer Islam was the standout bowler for the Royals, taking 3 for 39 in his four overs, while Muqidul Islam, Mahedi Hasan and Shoriful Islam took 2 each and Abu Haider took one.
The massive win by 65 runs put Chattogram Royals at the top of the PBL 2025-26 standings, overtaking Rajshahi Warriors on net run rate.
Warriors won by 8 wickets against Sihlet Titans in curtain raiser earlier today.
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