BPL Qualifier 2: Rajshahi Warriors hold nerve to defeat Sylhet Titans and enter final

BPL Qualifier 2 match report [Source: @BCBtigers/X.com]

Rajshahi Warriors booked their place in the BPL 2025-26 final after defeating Sylhet Titans by 12 runs in Qualifier 2 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka, on Tuesday evening.

The Warriors benefited heavily from Kane Williamson’s return as they posted a good total. In reply, the Titans fell short of just a few runs as they choked in the final overs.

Early wickets derailed the Warriors’ innings

Put in to bat first, Rajshahi Warriors began aggressively despite losing Sahibzada Farhan early. Farhan scored 26 off 21 balls before being dismissed by Salman Irshad in the fifth over. 

Tanzid Hasan provided early momentum, striking 32 from just 15 deliveries, including four sixes. His attacking approach pushed Rajshahi to 62/2 inside the powerplay, giving them a strong start. 

However, Sylhet pulled things back in the middle overs. Tanzid was removed by Nasum Ahmed, and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struggled to settle before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz. 

Mushfiqur Rahim departed for a first-ball duck, leaving Rajshahi wobbling at 79/4. Meherob also failed to contribute, and at the halfway stage, Rajshahi appeared to have lost control of the innings.

Williamson pulls things through for Rajshahi

Kane Williamson held firm at one end, playing a calm and composed knock. He rotated the strike well to make sure the innings did not collapse.

The turning point was when James Neesham joined Williamson at the crease. Neesham counterattacked brilliantly, smashing 44 off 26 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. 

The duo played a very significant role in the death overs as Rajshahi crossed the 150-run barrier. Despite losing wickets towards the end, including Neesham in the 19th over, Rajshahi finished on a competitive 165/9. Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 off 38 balls. 

For Sylhet, Salman Irshad was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with two each.

Sylhet Titans got an awful start

In reply, Sylhet Titans got off to a poor start. Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam were dismissed cheaply, and the Titans were reduced to 7/2 inside three overs. 

Parvez Hossain Emon set the tone with a positive approach, finding regular boundaries as the innings steadied. He shared a vital partnership with Sam Billings, who played fluently for his 37 off 28 balls.

Emon scored 48 runs off 34 balls, keeping Sylhet in contention, but when he was run out in the 11th over, Rajshahi regained control of the match.

Soon after, Moeen Ali fell, and even though Afif Hossain scored a quick 21, Sylhet kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

Binura Fernando was the standout performer with the ball for Rajshahi, claiming four wickets for just 19 runs. His spell dismantled Sylhet’s middle order and applied pressure during the crucial overs. 

Chris Woakes remained unbeaten at the end of the innings, with a late cameo of 15 runs, but the required run rate was far too high.

Sylhet finished on 153/8, falling 12 runs short. Rajshahi Warriors celebrated a hard-fought victory, built on late batting acceleration and disciplined bowling, as they marched confidently into the BPL final.