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Sylhet knock out former champions Rangpur from BPL
In a heart-stopping finish at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Chris Woakes struck a massive six off the final ball to guide the Sylhet Titans to an incredible victory over the Rangpur Riders in the BPL Eliminator on Tuesday.
The breathtaking win keeps Sylhet's title hopes alive, propelling them to the second qualifier, while the Rangpur Riders have been knocked out of the tournament.
Chasing a modest target of 112, the match appeared to be slipping away from Sylhet during a tense final over bowled by Rangpur's Fahim Ashraf. With just three runs required off the last six deliveries, the drama escalated quickly.
Ashraf started well, conceding only two runs off the first ball before bowling two consecutive dots to strangle the scoring.
The pressure mounted further when Moeen Ali was dismissed on the fourth ball, leaving Sylhet needing one run to tie or a boundary to win with just one delivery remaining.
However, Woakes held his nerve, connecting perfectly with the final ball to send it over the ropes and trigger wild celebrations in the Sylhet camp.
Earlier in the day, Sylhet captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Pacer Khaled Ahmed tore through the Rangpur top order, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 for 14.
Rangpur’s star-studded lineup crumbled under the pressure, losing key wickets including openers Tawhid Hridoy and David Malan early on. Captain Litton Das managed just one run before falling to Khaled, leaving his side reeling.
Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad offered some resistance, top-scoring with 33 off 26 balls, while Khushdil Shah added a fighting 30. However, the lack of support from the other end meant Rangpur could only post a below-par 111 for 9 in their 20 overs. Alongside Khaled, Woakes and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two wickets each to keep the scoring in check.
Sylhet’s chase was far from smooth, as they found themselves in deep trouble at 44 for 4 in the eighth over following strikes by Alis Islam and Mustafizur Rahman. It took a great partnership between Sam Billings and skipper Miraz to resurrect the innings.
Billings played a gritty knock of 29 off 40 balls, anchoring the middle overs before falling in the 18th over, setting the stage for Woakes’ last-gasp heroics, reports UNB.