Chris Woakes’ last-ball six sends Sylhet Titans into BPL Qualifier 2

MIRPUR: Chris Woakes held his nerve under pressure, smashing a six off the final delivery to guide Sylhet Titans to a dramatic victory over Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 Eliminator at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a modest target of 112, the Titans sealed the contest on the final ball, with Woakes clearing the ropes off Faheem Ashraf to complete a tense run chase and book a place in Qualifier 2.

Sylhet will now face the losing side of Qualifier 1 between Rajshahi Warriors and Chattogram Royals.

The chase began shakily for the Titans as they lost an early wicket, but Parvez Hossain Emon (18) and Ariful Islam (17) steadied the innings with a 36-run partnership for the second wicket.

Later, Sam Billings and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz adopted a cautious approach, adding 50 runs for the middle order.

Billings top-scored with 29, while Miraz chipped in with a valuable 18 as Sylhet inched closer to the target.

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The match came down to a tense final over, with nine runs needed and Faheem Ashraf entrusted with the ball.

Faheem conceded two runs off the first delivery before bowling two dot balls to swing the momentum back in Rangpur’s favour. Moeen Ali was dismissed on the fourth ball, leaving Sylhet needing seven runs from the final two deliveries.

Woakes, however, rose to the occasion and launched the final delivery for a six, sparking celebrations in the Sylhet camp and ending Rangpur’s campaign.

Earlier, Rangpur Riders struggled with the bat and were restricted to 111-9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a disciplined bowling display by the Titans.

Mahmudullah was the top scorer with a composed 33 off 26 balls, hitting two boundaries and two sixes. Khushdil Shah provided late impetus with a brisk 30 off 19 deliveries, including three sixes, while Nurul Hasan added 18.

Khaled Ahmed led the attack with impressive figures of 4 for 14, while Woakes and Nasum Ahmed picked up two wickets apiece.

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