Shrachi Rarh Tigers secured their first Bengal T20 League Season 3 men’s title by defeating Sobisco Smashers Malda by nine runs in a rain-affected final at Eden Gardens. Skipper Shahbaz Ahmed’s unbeaten 88 off 46 balls played a pivotal role in guiding his team to victory. The win marked the emergence of a new champion in the league’s third season.
Shahbaz Ahmed’s exceptional innings, comprising seven fours and six sixes, led Rarh Tigers to a challenging total of 165/4 after a shaky start at 10/3 in the 15-over contest. Gaurav Singh Chauhan’s quickfire 55 off 30 balls provided valuable support to the captain. In response, Malda, chasing a revised target of 107 in 9 overs, fell short at 97/5 despite Abhimanyu Easwaran’s top score of 38 off 22 balls.
Akhil stood out for Malda with two wickets, but it was not enough to stop Rarh Tigers. Sukhmeet Singh, Raju Halder, and Rohit Kumar contributed with crucial wickets for the champions. Shrachi Rarh Tigers received a prize of Rs 50 lakh for their triumph, while runners-up Sobisco Smashers Malda were awarded Rs 30 lakh for their commendable performance.
The Bengal T20 League, conducted under the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), witnessed eight city-based franchises competing in both men’s and women’s categories. The franchises include Adamas Howrah Warriors, Novus Royals Purulia, Kolkata Royal Tigers, Murshidabad Kings & Kueens, Rashmi Nes Medinipur Wizards, Servotech Siliguri Strikers, Shrachi Rarh Tigers, and Sobisco Smashers Malda.
