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SYLHET: A devastating spell from Nasum Ahmed dismantled Haider Ali-led Noakhali Express as Sylhet Titans cruised to a one-sided victory in the 13th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 on Monday.
Asked to bat first, Noakhali endured a torrid outing with the bat and were bundled out for just 61 in 14.2 overs, the fourth-lowest total in BPL history and the lowest of the ongoing season.
Left-arm spinner Nasum was the chief architect of the collapse, returning sensational figures of 5 for 7 from his four overs.
Mohammad Amir and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with a wicket apiece, tightening the noose around the struggling batting line-up.
Only two Noakhali batters reached double figures. Wicketkeeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scored with a 32-ball 25, striking a boundary and a six, while opener Habibur Rahman Sohan added 18 off 16 deliveries, including three boundaries.
Captain Haider Ali endured a forgettable outing, managing just five runs from 12 balls, as four of his teammates departed without scoring.
The dismal total now sits fourth on the list of lowest scores in BPL history, with the unwanted record still held by Khulna Tigers, who were dismissed for 44 against Rangpur Riders in the 2016 edition.
Sylhet Titans made light work of the modest target but not before a brief wobble at the start of the chase, losing Parvez Hossain Emon for one in the opening over.
Tawfique Khan and Zakir Hasan then took control, adding a decisive 53-run stand that effectively ended the contest. Tawfique led the charge with a brisk 32 off 18 balls, while Zakir anchored the innings with 24 from 23 deliveries.
Afif Hossain fell cheaply for two, but Moeen Ali calmly struck the winning run off his very first ball to seal the chase in just 8.4 overs. Zahir Khan was the lone bright spot for Noakhali in the field, claiming three wickets.
The emphatic win lifted Sylhet Titans to third place on the BPL 2025-26 points table. Noakhali Express, meanwhile, continue to search for their first victory in their debut campaign, having now suffered four defeats on the trot.
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