Neesham, Fernando power Rajshahi into BPL final with thrilling win over Sylhet

All-rounder Jimmy Neesham and pacer Binura Fernando produced decisive performances as Rajshahi Warriors sealed a thrilling 12-run victory over Sylhet Titans in the second qualifier of the Bangladesh Premier League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday, booking a spot in the final.

Rajshahi will now face Chattogram Royals -- winners of Qualifier 1 -- in the tournament final at the same venue on Friday.

After struggling for form since joining the BPL, Neesham finally made a telling impact with the bat. The New Zealand all-rounder struck four fours and two sixes in a brisk 26-ball 44 and played the aggressor’s role in a crucial 77-run partnership with Kane Williamson, who contributed a composed 45 off 38 deliveries. Their stand helped Rajshahi recover from a middle-order slump after a strong start from the openers and post a competitive total of 165 for nine.

Earlier, openers Tanzid Tamim and Sahibzada Farhan gave Rajshahi early momentum. Tanzid blazed away with four sixes and a four in a 15-ball 32, while Farhan chipped in with 26 off 21 balls before they lost four wickets for 18 runs, bringing a halt to the momentum, but the Black Caps duo of Williamson and Neesham overturned the slump. 

For Sylhet, Salman Irshad was the standout bowler, returning impressive figures of 3 for 23. Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided solid support with two wickets apiece.

In reply, Rajshahi made early inroads as Binura Fernando struck twice with the new ball, dismissing Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam for ducks within the first three overs.

Sylhet’s chase was steadied by in-form opener Parvez Hossain Emon, who combined aggression with composure in a 69-run stand with Sam Billings. However, Emon’s run-out -- effected by Neesham midway through the 10th over -- proved a turning point. Emon departed for a well-made 48 off 34 balls -- eventually the innings highest -- leaving Sylhet at 76 for three.

Afif Hossain briefly revived Sylhet’s hopes with a quick 21 off 12 balls but Tanzim Sakib removed him in the 16th over. Skipper Miraz endured another disappointing outing, managing just nine runs off 13 balls during a crucial time before Fernando dismissed both Miraz and Khaled Ahmed to firmly swing the momentum back in Rajshahi’s favour.

Sylhet were left needing 24 runs off the final over and despite conceding a six in the second ball of the over, Fernando held his nerve, conceding just 11 runs to finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 19 and guide Rajshahi into the final.