An unbeaten 46 from New Zealand star Kane Williamson guided Rajshahi Warriors to 165-9 against Sylhet Titans in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Qualifier-2 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
The winner of the contest will advance to the final, where Chattogram Royals await in the battle for the coveted BPL trophy.
Playing his first match of the season, Williamson, one of the celebrated "Fabulous Four" alongside Steven Smith, Joe Root and Virat Kohli, held one end firm on a sluggish pitch as wickets fell regularly at the other.
His composed innings, featuring one four and two sixes, proved crucial in lifting Rajshahi to a competitive total.
After being sent in to bat, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Sahibzada Farhan provided Rajshahi with a brisk start, with Tanzid looking particularly in supreme touch.
The opening stand was broken by Salman Irshad, who dismissed Farhan for a 21-ball 26, bringing an end to the 41-run partnership.
Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed then gave Rajshahi further blow, getting the prized scalp of Tanzid Hasan Tamim who struck 32 off just 15 balls, hammering one four and four sixes.
His dismissal triggered a collapse as Rajshahi lost three wickets for 18 runs.
Williamson showed steely resolve during the slump and later found valuable support from fellow New Zealander James Neesham. The pair added 77 runs for the sixth wicket, pushing Rajshahi beyond the 150-run mark.
Chris Woakes eventually broke the partnership, removing Neesham for a hard-hitting 44 off 26 balls, which included four fours and two sixes.
For Sylhet, Salman Irshad was the pick of the bowlers with 3-23, while Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets each.
