Heartbreak for Riders, Woakes’ last-ball six seals Eliminator

Rangpur Riders were sent crashing out of the Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in the most dramatic fashion in a pulsating low-scoring Eliminator at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Tuesday. 

English veteran Chris Woakes struck a sensational six off the final delivery of the match to secure a three-wicket victory for the Sylhet Titans, chasing down a target of 112 to take Sylhet to the Qualifier 2.

Needing six runs from the final ball to avoid a heart-breaking exit, Woakes kept his composure against a wide yorker by Faheem Ashraf, carving it over the ropes to spark wild celebrations in the Sylhet dugout. 

It was a cruel end for Rangpur, who had fought tooth and nail to defend a sub-par total of 111/9.

Earlier, Rangpur’s innings was strangled by a masterclass in seam bowling. 

Khaled Ahmed was the standout performer, claiming a remarkable 4 for 14, while Woakes himself set the tone with 2 for 15. Their efforts were aided by wicket-keeper Parvez Hossain Emon, who enjoyed a flawless evening behind the stumps with four catches.

Despite the low target, Rangpur’s bowlers—led by Mustafizur Rahman (2/20) and Aliss Al Islam (2/18)—turned the chase into a minefield. 

Sylhet found themselves stuttering at 44/4 and later 105/7 in the final over. Sam Billings (29) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (18) provided sluggish stability, but the mounting pressure and a slow Mirpur track ensured the game went right down to the wire.