FBA VS SYL MATCH 23

Right then, that is all we have from this humdinger of a contest but the action in the 6th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League continues shortly. Khulna Tigers play host to Dhaka Dominators at this very venue in match number 24 and the game will start at 6 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT). You can switch tabs and follow the build-up to the action. From here, it is goodbye and cheers!

Mashrafe Mortaza the skipper of Sylhet Strikers says that it was really tough to get this win and it was one the best matches that they played in the tournament. Claims that when Shakib Al Hasan was at the crease and they conceded lots of runs in an over, he felt they were in trouble but Mohammad Amir is world-class. Mentions that with the kind of total they had on the board, you expect the batting team to win but once again credits Mohammad Amir for being outstanding. Says that the new players have quite a lot of quality and the way they are performing is great for Bangladesh cricket.

Najmul Hossain Shanto is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for scoring an unbeaten 89 in 66 balls. He says that he is happy for the team. Adds that he batted according to his plan and didn't think about the fact that they were losing wickets at the other end. Ends by saying that they were looking to get over 150 and they trusted their bowlers as well.

Shakib Al Hasan the captain of Fortune Barishal is up for a chat. He says that in a close game, there are a lot of factors but the difference between the two sides was ground fielding. Mentions that when two top teams are playing, the game was bound to get close. Claims that he thought there were two left-arm batters so he decided to bring the off-spinner on and since there was an English batter, he thought they would struggle against spin. Ends by saying that there is no correct decision and only after the result you can say whether it is the right or wrong decision.

Time for the presentions...

Sylhet Strikers managed to hold their nerves to defend this total but they had quite a few scares along the way. Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the one who got them the breakthroughs at the start with his first two wickets in the Bangladesh Premier League. Rejaur Rahman closed out the innings on the last ball and took three crucial wickets in his four overs but Mohammad Amir was definitely the pick of the bowlers as he took two wickets for 24 runs with two outstanding overs in the death. They were in big trouble in the first inning as they lost three wickets in the second over but Najmul Hossain Shanto scored an outstanding unbeaten 89 and was supported well by Tom Moores to take his team to a good total. Mohammad Wasim did the early damage for Fortune Barishal with three wickets with Shakib Al Hasan and Kamrul Islam chipping in with one each.

The hosts will need to pick themselves up as their five-game winning streak comes to an end and both their losses so far have come against Sylhet Strikers. They got off to a good start in the run chase as they put together a 42-run opening partnership with Saif Hassan being the aggressor. He departed on 31 in 19 balls and Anamul Haque followed him back to the shed soon after. Shakib Al Hasan joined Ibrahim Zadran and put on 61 runs together to take their team to a position of strength. They both departed in quick succession but despite a late onslaught from Karim Janat and Iftikhar Ahmed, they were unable to get beyond the finish line.

What a thrilling top-of-the-table clash we have witnessed here! Sylhet Strikers just about manage to return to winning ways and cement their spot at the top of the table! This has been a thoroughly professional performance by the visitors as they win by 2 runs and after the way they started this game, it has been a remarkable turnaround. Fortune Barishal will be disappointed with the result as they had the game in their hands early and fought right till the end but fell just short of the target.

FOUR! What a game this has been. Lands it on a length and on leg, Mohammad Wasim swivels and swings it through fine leg for a boundary. Sylhet Sunrisers beat Fortune Barishal by 2 runs!

SIX! Game on! Fuller and on off, Mohammad Wasim clears his front leg and lofts it over long on for a maximum! 7 needed off last delivery now. Is there a super over coming our way?

Bowls it on off, Mohammad Wasim shuffles across for a scoop but doesn't connect well and it goes off his body towards point. He refuses the run and 13 needed off 2 balls now!

Back of a length again and outside off, Kamrul Islam takes a big swing but gets the top edge. It goes in the air and lands safely towards deep extra covers. They cross.

Kamrul Islam is the next batter out in the middle.

OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust. Shorter and on off, Mohammad Wasim looks to pull it but misses and runs for a single. Mushfiqur Rahim collects it well behind the sticks and makes a direct hit. The replay shows that he was outside his crease and Mehidy Hasan departs!

OUT! TAKEN! What a moment in the game now. On a length and on off, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to loft it but doesn't get the power right. It goes high up in the air towards mid off. Colin Ackermann (sub) settles under it and takes a fine catch.

Wide! Bowls it wide outside off, Iftikhar Ahmed looks to play at it but misses.

Shorter and on off, Mehidy Hasan looks to pull it but misses. 15 runs needed from the final over.