Chattogram secure second place despite Capital collapse

Bangla Press Desk: Chattogram Royals successfully secured the coveted second spot on the points table, despite suffering a heavy 42-run defeat to Dhaka Capitals in their final Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) group match on Sunday.

While the loss left Chattogram level with Rangpur Riders on 12 points, their superior Net Run Rate (NRR) proved decisive for the first Qualifier. 

Chattogram’s +0.510 NRR outstripped Rangpur’s +0.220, earning themselves a vital "double chance" in the upcoming playoffs.

Chasing 171, the Royals’ innings never found its rhythm after Taskin Ahmed (3/28) removed Mohammad Haris for a golden duck on the first ball. 

A top-order collapse saw them teetering at 54/6 as Dhaka's bowlers, led by Mohammad Saifuddin’s clinical 4/20, tightened the noose. A late, defiant cameos from Aamer Jamal (42 off 26) and Shoriful Islam (14 off 6) ensured the Royals avoided a complete blowout, eventually folding for 128 in the final over.

BP/SP

Earlier, Dhaka Capitals posted a competitive 170, anchored by Saif Hassan’s brisk 73. 

Despite the defeat, the Royals’ math was already done; by crossing the 76-run mark, they ensured their NRR remained high enough to keep the Riders at bay who now settle for the Eliminator.