Fernando heroic puts Rajshahi into BPL final

Dhaka,  21 Jan- Sri Lankan pacer Binura Fernando claimed a career-best spell of 4-19 as Rajshahi Warriors thrashed Sylhet Titans by 12 runs in Qualifier-2 of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today, securing a place in the final.

Rajshahi will now take on Chattogram Royals in the summit clash, scheduled for Friday, with the coveted BPL trophy on the line.

An unbeaten 46 from New Zealand star Kane Williamson guided Rajshahi to a competitive 165-9, a total that proved sufficient as Fernando led a disciplined bowling effort to restrict Sylhet to 153-8.

Fernando's opening spell proved decisive, swinging the momentum firmly in Rajshahi's favour. He removed opener Zakir Hasan and No.3 batter Ariful Islam for ducks in successive overs, ending his first spell with remarkable figures of 2-0-3-0.

Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings attempted to revive Sylhet's chase with a 69-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Emon's run-out dismissal after a brisk 48 off 34 balls triggered a collapse that derailed Sylhet's pursuit.

Mohammad Rubel further dented Sylhet's hopes by dismissing Moeen Ali for 7, while Abdul Gaffar Saqlain (1-19) removed Billings to tighten Rajshahi's grip on the match.

Afif Hossain briefly reignited Sylhet's hopes with a quick 21 off 12 balls, but Tanzim Hasan Sakib ended the threat with a sharp return catch.

Eliminator hero Chris Woakes was unable to repeat his last-ball heroics, though he offered some resistance.

Fernando returned for his second spell to claim two more wickets, effectively ruining Sylhet's chances, with Woakes left stranded on 15.
 
Earlier, playing his first match of the season, Williamson-one of the celebrated "Fabulous Four" alongside Steven Smith, Joe Root, and Virat Kohli-anchored Rajshahi's innings on a sluggish pitch as wickets fell regularly at the other end. 

His composed knock, featuring one four and two sixes, proved crucial in lifting Rajshahi to a defendable total.

After being sent in to bat, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Sahibzada Farhan gave Rajshahi a rapid start, with Tanzid particularly in imperious touch. 

The opening stand of 41 runs was broken by Salman Irshad, who dismissed Farhan for 26 off 21 balls.

Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed then struck a major blow by removing Tanzid, who smashed 32 off just 15 balls, including one four and four sixes. His dismissal sparked a collapse as Rajshahi lost three wickets for 18 runs.

Williamson held firm during the slump and later found valuable support from fellow New Zealander James Neesham. The pair added 77 runs for the sixth wicket, pushing Rajshahi past the 150-run mark.

Chris Woakes eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Neesham for an aggressive 44 off 26 balls, which included four fours and two sixes.

For Sylhet, Salman Irshad was the standout bowler with 3-23, while Nasum Ahmed and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz picked up two wickets each.BSS