Rana’s hattrick in vain as Sylhet edge Noakhali in last-ball thriller

Sylhet Titans pulled off a nerve-jangling one-wicket victory over Noakhali Express in a Bangladesh Premier League T20 (BPL) 2025-26 clash in Sylhet on Saturday.

Chasing 144, Sylhet lost early wickets, with Saim Ayub (0) and Rony Talukdar (9) departing cheaply. Parvez Hossain Emon then steadied the innings, striking a well-timed 60 off 41 balls, laced with six fours and two sixes. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided composed support, scoring 33, as the pair rebuilt the chase amid mounting pressure at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The drama escalated after Emon's dismissal when Noakhali's Mehedi Hasan Rana picked up a hattrick, including the wicket of Miraz, leaving Sylhet reeling at 125 for eight in the 18th over.

With two wickets in hand and 13 needed from the last over, Ethan Brookes swung the momentum with a boundary and a six off Sabbir Hossain but was run out in the penultimate delivery. Sylhet required two runs from the final ball, which they secured thanks to a wide and a single, completing a memorable last-ball win.

Earlier, Noakhali had posted a modest 143 for seven, with Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scoring with 61 not out off 51 balls. Pacer Khaled Ahmed was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four for 23.

Sylhet will look to carry the momentum into their next match after starting their campaign with a defeat to Rajshahi Warriors in Friday's tournament opener, while Noakhali must regroup after consecutive losses in their maiden appearance in the franchise-based competition.