Pakistan players-heavy Chattogram Royals storm into the BPL final

Rajshashi Warriors will have to take the difficult route to the final as Chattogram Royals triumphed over them by six wickets in Qualifier 1. Chattogram, whose Pakistan imports scored 106 runs of the 134 total, are the first team to reach the final this year. 

Warriors’ shoddy batting display

The out-of-sorts Warriors got off to a sluggish start as their top order managed only 36 runs in the first six overs. However, what came afterwards was way worse as their Nos. 3 to 7 collectively scored just 20 runs. 

A quick 25-off-18 partnership stitched by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Ripon Mondol did all it could to contain the damage, but, as it eventually turned out, it was beyond repair. 

Pakistan imports laid the groundwork

Pakistan batters Mirza Baig and Mohammad Naim decided to take the chase slowly for the Royals, though their struggles on the field did not suggest it was a conscious choice. They accumulated only 31 in the powerplay. Luckily, with a modest total and all wickets in hand, it did not hurt them. 

After them, another set of Pakistan batsmen, Hasan Nawaz and Asif Ali, decided to step on the gas by adding some quick runs. Building upon the momentum built by the top four, Mahedi Hasan, who had earlier taken two wickets, batted as if he were occupying another plane. He smashed two sixes to score an unbeaten 19 off 9 balls, which secured the spot in the final for the Royals. 

Warriors will play against Sylhet Titans on Tuesday in Qualifier 2, the winner of which will face Chattogram in the final.

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