Dhaka bt Sylhet to keep SF hopes alive

Chittagong: Dhaka Gladiators kept their semifinal hopes alive in the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League after beating Sylhet Royals by 8 wickets at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium on Wednesday.

After being put into bat, the Royals lost wickets at regular intervals to reach 128/7 in their 20 overs. Apart from Peter Trego (35) and Naeem Islam (28), none of their batsmen could deal with Naved-ul-Hasan (3/18) and Azhar Mahood (2/22).

The Gladiators were on the money in their chase with Imran Nazir (31 retired hurt), Mohd Ashraful (40), Azhar Mahmood (29) and Kieron Pollard (22 not out) making useful contributions to take them over the line with 43 balls to go.

Former Pakistan player Azhar Mahmood was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round show.

Mahmood was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all-round show.

This was the Gladiator's fourth win in seven matches, and they now lie fourth in the six-team table. While the Royals suffered their seventh successive loss to prop up the table.

(For updates you can share with your friends, follow IBNLive on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest)