'Gaylestorm' takes Dhaka Gladiators into final of BPL

Dhaka: After dominating the first 10 overs of their semi-final game against Dhaka Gladiators, Sylhet Royals where hit by the 'Gaylestorm' that took Dhaka to the final of the second season of Bangladesh Premier League on Friday. Chris Gayle proved to be the difference as he scored 114 off just 51 balls to power Dhaka to 197 for 4. In reply, Royals put up a spirited chase losing out by just four runs.

After being 60 for 5 in the first 10 overs, Gladiators' last minute buy, Gayle, took center stage as he clobbered the Royals' bowlers to all part of the park. Gayle pummeled 85 runs off 24 balls after scoring his first 29 runs off 27 deliveries. His knock of 114 consisted of 12 sixes and four boundaries and was the second century of BPL 2 and his 10th T20 ton.

Playing his first match of the BPL 2, left arm-medium pacer Sajidul Islam and Afghanistan recruit Mohammed Nabi impressed with figures of 3 for 23 and 2 for 17 respectively, but the rest leaked to many runs. Suhrawadi Shuvo conceded 24 off his one over as Nazmul Hossain Milon got hit for 29 in his six deliveries.

BPL

Chasing, a mammoth 198 for a berth in the final, captain Mushfiqur Rahim kept his team in the hunt with a 76-ball 86 knock as he compiled crucial partnerships with Dwayne Smith (41) and Elton Chigambura (24), but he got out in the final over of the match. Sylhet Royals' needed 24 to win which was bowled by the Gladiators' captain, Mashrafe Murtaza and they managed 19 with Chigumbura perishing in the last ball.

After this loss, the Royals will have to face the winner of the knockout match between Chittagong Kings and Duronto Rajshahi for a place in the final.

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