The Rajshahi Warriors confirmed their status as the group stage leaders of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after securing a hard-fought 3-wicket victory over the Chattogram Royals on Saturday.

While both teams had already qualified for the playoffs, this win ensured Rajshahi finished at the top of the points table.

Rajshahi captain Nazmul Hossain won the toss and elected to field, a decision vindicated by his bowlers. The BCB-owned Chattogram franchise struggled with the bat, collapsing to 125 all out in 19.5 overs.

Pacer Tanzim Hasan was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming 4 wickets for just 17 runs in his 4-over spell. Asif Ali offered some resistance with a 24-ball 39, while Mahmudul Hasan scored 19, but the rest of the lineup faltered against Tanzim, supported by Ryan Burl and Jahandad Khan who took two wickets each.

Chasing a modest target of 126, Rajshahi faced a terrifying start, reduced to 27 for 3 inside six overs and teetering at 33 for 4 by the eighth.

Chattogram pacer Shoriful Islam ripped through the top order, dismissing openers Tanzid Hasan and Sahibzada Farhan, as well as captain Nazmul.

However, a match-winning partnership of 84 runs off 66 balls between Mushfiqur Rahim and Akbar Ali rescued the innings.

Man of the Match Akbar Ali shifted the momentum by hitting three consecutive sixes in the 15th over, eventually falling for 48 off 41 balls. Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on 46 off 41 balls to guide Rajshahi to 126 for 7 with three balls to spare.