Dhaka erupted in cheers as Rajshahi Warriors clinched a dramatic 12-run victory over Sylhet Titans in Qualifier-2 of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26. This hard-fought win propels them into the grand finale on January 23, where they’ll face Chattogram Royals at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Sylhet Titans watched Rajshahi Warriors post a challenging 165/9 in their 20 overs. Openers Sahibzada Farhan and Tanjid Hasan provided a fiery start, racing to 41 runs in just 4.4 overs. Farhan smashed 26 off 21 balls, featuring four boundaries and a six, before falling. Tanjid then unleashed aggression, blasting 32 off 15 deliveries with four sixes and a four.
The innings hit turbulence at 80/5, but Kane Williamson and James Neesham staged a crucial rescue act. Their 77-run stand off 50 balls turned the tide. Neesham departed for 44 off 26, laced with six boundaries, while Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 balls, including two sixes and a four. Salman Irshad claimed three wickets for Titans, with Nasum Ahmed and Mehdi Hasan grabbing two each.
Chasing 166, Sylhet Titans faltered, managing only 153/8. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon top-scored with 48, supported by Sam Billings’ 37. Early blows left them at 7/2, but Emon and Billings’ 68-run third-wicket partnership offered hope. However, it wasn’t enough as the required rate climbed.
Binura Fernando starred with the ball, taking 4/19 in four overs to earn Player of the Match honors. Warriors’ bowlers, led by Fernando’s brilliance, defended the total with grit, setting up an epic final showdown.