Woakes’ last-ball six propels Sylhet past Rangpur into second qualifier

Chris Woakes struck a dramatic last-ball six to knock Rangpur Riders out of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as Sylhet Titans sealed a thrilling three-wicket victory in a low-scoring eliminator at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

Chasing 112, Sylhet needed nine runs from the final over. Rangpur all-rounder Faheem Ashraf conceded just three runs from the first five deliveries and dismissed Moeen Ali (5) on the fourth ball, leaving six required off the final delivery. 

Woakes, who joined Sylhet just ahead of the playoffs, rose to the occasion by smashing Ashraf over extra cover for a match-winning six to send Sylhet into the second qualifier.

Earlier, Sylhet’s bowlers laid the foundation for the win. Pacer Khaled Ahmed produced a career-best spell of 4 for 14, while Woakes and Nasum Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece as Rangpur were restricted to 111 for 9 in 20 overs after opting to field first.

Sylhet’s chase began shakily as they slumped to 44 for 4 in the eighth over. Sam Billings and Mehidy Hasan Miraz then steadied the innings with a crucial 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket, bringing the equation down to 18 runs from the final three overs.

Mehidy was stumped off Aliss Al Islam after scoring 18 from 23 balls, and Mustafizur Rahman removed Billings in the following over with the help of a brilliant catch by Tawhid Hridoy. Billings scored 29 off 40 balls, leaving Sylhet requiring nine runs from the final over before Woakes’ unbeaten 10 off four balls sealed the contest.

For Rangpur, Mustafizur Rahman and Aliss Al Islam claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, Rangpur endured a disastrous start, collapsing to 29 for four inside seven overs. Mahmudullah (33 off 26), Khushdil Shah (30 off 19) and Nurul Hasan Sohan (18 off 24) offered some resistance, but their efforts only helped Rangpur reach a below-par total.

Sylhet will now face the loser of the first qualifier between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals in the second qualifier at the same venue on Wednesday.