'Dre Russ' heroics inspire Rajshahi to final with thrilling victory

Bangabandhu BPL T20 2019 Qualifier 2 Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Chattogram Challengers vs Rajshahi Royals Chattogram Challengers : 164/9 in 20 overs (Gayle 60, Mahmudullah 33, Asela 31; Nawaz 2/13, Irfan 2/16, Kapali 1/19) Rajshahi Royals : 165/8 in 19.2 overs (Russell 54*, Shukkur 44, Nawaz 14; Rubel 2/32, Emrit 2/41, Mahmudullah 1/10) Result : Rajshahi Royals won by 2 wickets. Player of the Match : Andre Rusell. Andre Russell showcased an explosive T20 masterclass to help his side winning the second Qualifier against Chattogram Challengers and seal their place for the final. Royals chased down the target of 165 in the last over. They will meet Khulna Tigers in the final on January 17 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The match will start from 7 pm. Earlier of the evening, Rajshahi Royals skipper Andre Russell decided to bowl first after winning the toss. Chris Gayle gave an flying start to the Challengers with his quickfire 60 runs knock off 24 balls. Royals bowlers then fought-back to the match by picking up some quick wickets in the middle overs. But Asela Gunaratne's unbeaten 31 helped them posting a fighting total of 164 for 9. Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Irfan shared 2 wickets each for. Royals did not have the ideal start as they lost both opener Liton Kumar and Afif Hossain for 14 runs. Shoaib Malik and Alok Kapali then got the start but failed to make big impact. Irfan Shukkur on the other end hold the Royals innings and played an important knock of 45 but their scoring rate was slow and it created pressure after losing the 5th wicket for 83 runs on the 15th overs. At that point stage was ready for Russell and he smacked an blistering fifty to power his side winning the match with 2 wickets and 4 wickets in hand. Russell remained unbeaten on 54 off 24 balls. Rubel Hossain and Rayad Emrit shared 2 wickets each for the Challengers.