SAMSUL AREFIN KHAN

The 12th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League T20 (BPL) got underway in spectacular fashion yesterday as Rajshahi Warriors edged Sylhet Titans in a high-scoring thriller at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, pushing aside the off-field chaos that marked the tournament’s build-up.

Despite widespread concerns over organisational issues ahead of the opening day, the tournament began smoothly, offering several positives for organisers and fans alike.

The competition was officially launched in the presence of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) president Aminul Islam Bulbul, with a brief opening ceremony featuring a minute’s silence in memory of late youth activist and July uprising leader Sharif Osman Hadi. Smoke flares and balloon releases added colour to the occasion.

The 18,000-capacity stadium was packed to the rafters, and the crowd was treated to a run-fest, highlighted by the tournament’s first century from Rajshahi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto. Shanto smashed an unbeaten 101 off 60 balls, striking 10 fours and five sixes, and shared an unbroken 130-run partnership off just 71 balls with Mushfiqur Rahim, who remained not out on 51 off 31 deliveries. Rajshahi chased down the target to finish on 192 for two in 19.4 overs.

Earlier, Sylhet Titans posted a competitive 190 for five after being sent in to bat, riding on Parvez Hossain Emon’s unbeaten 65 off 33 balls. Rony Talukdar and Afif However,

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