A century from opener Tanzid Hasan has powered the Rajshahi Warriors to a big 174 for 4 in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) final, setting a daunting 175-run target for the Chattogram Royals.

Tanzid’s 100 off 62 balls was the centerpiece of the innings at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, marking only the third century in BPL final history.

Asked to bat first by Chattogram captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rajshahi started cautiously but accelerated beautifully, thanks to an 83-run opening stand between Tanzid and Sahibzada Farhan (30). Tanzid, who survived a catch on 54 off Amer Jamal’s bowling, made the Royals pay dearly.

He smashed 7 sixes and 6 fours, reaching his hundred with a single in the 19th over before perishing to a catch in the deep later that same over. His knock places him in elite company alongside Chris Gayle and Tamim Iqbal as the only players to score a ton in a BPL final.

Kane Williamson played a handy cameo of 24 off 15 balls, adding 47 runs with Tanzid for the second wicket, while Rajshahi skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto chipped in with 11 off 7 balls at the death.

BPL Qualifier: Rajshahi defend 165 to knock out Sylhet, will face Chattogram in final

Chattogram’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, though Mukidul Islam and Shoriful Islam managed to pick up two wickets apiece. Amer Jamal had a forgettable outing, conceding 43 runs in his 4 overs, including 17 in a costly 17th over.

The stadium was packed long before the toss, setting an electric atmosphere for the title decider.