Sylhet stumble at the death

The 117-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Sabbir Rahman and skipper Nasir Hossain proved insufficient for Sylhet Sixers to avoid a painful seven-run defeat against Rangpur Riders in a Bangladesh Premier League match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.

Despite the magnificent stand, Sylhet managed to stumble even though it looked like they were heading for a comfortable victory. At one stage, Sylhet required 35 runs from 24 balls with two set batsman in the form of Sabbir and Nasir at the crease.

But Rangpur captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza changed the scenario with a tidy 17th over, where he conceded just two runs to finish with 18-1 in his four overs.

After Sabbir's dismissal on 70 off 49 balls featuring seven fours and two sixes -- he was caught at long on at the bowling of Thisara Perera in the 18th over -- Sylhet lost the momentum. Nasir remained unbeaten on a 43 ball 50 but was unable catch the growing run-rate. Sylhet eventually scored 162-4 and suffered their fourth consecutive defeat

Earlier, the wait was finally over as the crowd witnessed a glimpse of explosive hitting by West Indies giant hitter Chris Gayle and Kiwi Brendon McCullum as Rangpur made a flying start, courtesy of the two openers.

Riding on Gayle-McCullum's quick-fire 80-run opening stand, Rangpur managed to post 169 for 7.

Gayle took his time at the start of the innings, opening his account off 12 deliveries, but after that he launched five sixes to break the shackle. The first six came off Nasir when Gayle hit the ball over long-on. Gayle ended on 50 runs off 39 balls, with five sixes and two fours, before being bowled by an Abul Hasan slower delivery.

When asked after the encounter if his form in the first game affected his confidence, Gayle replied: "The confidence never went. Hopefully I will entertain the crowd in coming days."

The left-hander also saved praise for his team's bowlers.

"I think our bowlers backed us pretty well. Mashrafe gave away just two runs in the 17th over which was crucial. Thisara Perea and Rubel also bowled very well," Gayle said.

McCullum on the other hand, fired right from the start as he smashed a 116-meter six off spinner Shuvagata Hom. He was dismissed by Nasir on 33 runs which included three sixes and as many fours. It was Rangpur's second win from five games.