Shamim’s heroics go in vain as Dhaka fall narrowly short against Sylhet

Shamim Hossain’s sensational counterattacking innings lit up the contest, but it was not enough to carry Dhaka Capitals over the line as they suffered a narrow defeat to Sylhet Titans in a tense and dramatic finish on home soil at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Despite Shamim’s valiant effort, Sylhet held their nerve in the closing moments to seal a hard-fought victory.

Chasing 173, Dhaka were reeling early before Shamim lit up the contest with a blistering 81 off 43 balls, dragging his side from despair to the brink of the unthinkable.

With wickets tumbling regularly, Shamim stood firm, hammering the bowlers with fearless strokeplay and keeping hope alive until the final delivery, when six were needed to force a tie.

Dhaka’s chase began in chaos, collapsing to 43 for five inside eight overs after Zubaid Akbari, Saif Hassan, Mohammad Mithun and Nasir Hossain departed cheaply.

Even after brief support from Sabbir Rahman, the visitors slipped to 116 for eight, leaving Shamim with too much to do.

For Sylhet, Azmatullah Omarzai capped a stellar all-round display, following his late batting heroics with three crucial wickets to seal a dramatic win.