Chattogram Royals, Rajshahi Warriors eye BPL glory tonight

The stage is set for a blockbuster finish to the 12th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors lock horns in the final tonight at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. The title clash gets underway at 6:00pm (local time).

Rajshahi are chasing a return to the summit, having won their only BPL title back in 2020 as Rajshahi Royals. Chattogram, meanwhile, are on the brink of history, with the port city still waiting for its first-ever BPL crown.

This final is the fourth chapter of a fiercely fought rivalry this season. The teams split their two league-stage encounters before Chattogram struck a telling blow in the first qualifier, sealing a direct ticket to the final. Rajshahi regrouped quickly, defeating Sylhet Titans in the second qualifier to set up a high-stakes rematch.

Rajshahi arrive armed with star power. Tanzid Tamim, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tanzim Sakib form the backbone of a formidable local core, while Pakistan opener Sahibzada Farhan has provided early fireworks. The late addition of Kane Williamson and Jimmy Neesham has added experience and calm to the knockout push. With the ball, Rajshahi will count on Tanzim Sakib and death-over specialist Ripon Mondol.

But Chattogram have made a habit of silencing big names. They have beaten Rajshahi twice in three matches this season, and none of those games crossed the 140-run mark—a clear sign of the Royals’ bowling muscle. Shoriful Islam’s swing, combined with the spin duo of Sheikh Mahedi and Tanvir, has repeatedly put Rajshahi under pressure.

Chattogram’s batting leans heavily on Naim Sheikh, supported by Pakistan imports Mirza Baig and Hasan Nawaz. While depth remains a question, the Royals will back their bowlers to defend anything around 150 on a Mirpur surface known to reward discipline.

Beyond tactics, the final also carries a strong narrative. Chattogram’s campaign nearly derailed before it began due to ownership uncertainty, forcing the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to step in and overhaul the setup. What followed has been one of the tournament’s standout turnarounds. Rajshahi, by contrast, were title favourites from the auction day—and have largely lived up to the billing.

Two tough, battle-hardened sides. One trophy. Under the Mirpur lights, the BPL is ready for a finale worthy of the season.