Shahbaz Steers Rarh Tigers to Memorable Maiden Bengal T20 League Triumph

KOLKATA: Shrachi Rarh Tigers clinched their maiden Bengal T20 League title after defeating Sobisco Smashers Malda by nine runs via the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-interrupted final here on Sunday.

Captain Shahbaz Ahmed produced a match-winning, unbeaten 88 off just 46 deliveries, smashing seven fours and six sixes, to steer the Tigers to a memorable victory. After being asked to bat first in a contest reduced to 15 overs per side due to rain, Shrachi Rarh Tigers found themselves in early trouble at 10 for 3. However, Shahbaz anchored the innings with a composed yet aggressive knock, leading a remarkable recovery as his team finished on a formidable 165 for 4. His counter-attacking innings shifted the momentum decisively in favor of the Tigers, setting Sobisco Smashers Malda a daunting target in the title clash.