Robi Reigns: Runners-Up Grameenphone Fall Short in MNC Cricket Finale
Robi Axiata Limited emerged victorious in the final match of the MNC Champions Trophy 2025, defeating Grameenphone by a commanding margin of 44 runs. The evening showdown took place on Wednesday at the cricket ground of Bashundhara Sports City, where Grameenphone, despite winning the toss, failed to capitalize on their early advantage.
Batting first, Robi posted an imposing total of 220 for 3 in the allotted 20 overs, powered by a blistering unbeaten 123 off 65 balls from Jamiul Haque Ontu. He was ably supported by Latiful Bari Sumon, who added a quickfire 49 off 27 balls. Despite early setbacks, including the dismissals of Sakib (4), Mubin (9), and Rangan (11), Robi's innings was propelled by aggressive batting from their middle order.
In response, Grameenphone started cautiously and reached the 100-run mark in just 9 overs, led by the strong partnership of Fazle Rabbi and Helal Uddin Rabbi Khoka. However, Robi’s bowler Mubin made the breakthrough by clean bowling Khoka on the last ball of the 10th over. On the very next delivery, Fazle Rabbi was caught by Sumon off the bowling of Mahmudul after scoring 60 off 38 balls.
The collapse continued when Ashfaq Hossain was caught by Mukit off Ashik in the 14th over, extinguishing hopes of a late resurgence. Mukit also claimed the wickets of Safayet and Saddam, restricting Grameenphone to 175 for 7 and sealing a 44-run victory for Robi.
Robi’s Jamiul Haque Ontu was named both Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament, having scored a total of 471 runs across seven matches. Teammate Sudipto Das was awarded Best Bowler for taking 11 wickets during the tournament.
The prize distribution ceremony was held at 12:45 AM on Thursday night, with Fuad Bin Sajjad, Head of Operations at Bashundhara Sports City, in attendance. The chief guest was corporate legend and tournament advisor Shehzad Munim.
Other notable attendees included Otto Magne Risbak, CFO of Grameenphone, and Mohammad Mohiuddin Riyad, Head of FAM&R at Robi Axiata, who jointly handed over the trophies to both teams.
Speaking after the victory, Robi’s captain Sakib Ahmed said, “No one expected Robi to win at the beginning, but our team proved everyone wrong with determination.” Grameenphone’s captain Zahiduzzaman added, “The tournament was outstanding. We hope it grows even bigger in the future.”
The tournament featured six of the country’s leading multinational corporations—Grameenphone, Robi, Japan Tobacco, HSBC, PoeticGame International, and Standard Chartered Bank—bringing corporate professionals together through their shared love for cricket. The tournament kicked off on April 26.
Organized by Bashundhara Sports City, the MNC Champions Trophy was supported by Gold’s Gym Bangladesh.
