BPL: Salman Irshad bowls Sylhet Titans to victory over Dhaka Capitals

SYLHET: Pakistan pacer Salman Irshad returned economical bowling figures of 3/25 and powered Sylhet Titans to a 20-run victory over Dhaka Capitals in the 18th match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 here at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Irshad, who had an underwhelming start to his campaign as he went wicketless against Noakhali Express earlier in the tournament, made an astounding turnaround by picking up three wickets for just 25 runs in his four overs, helping the Titans successfully defend the 181-run target.

His efforts were backed by experienced England all-rounder Moeen Ali, who bagged two wickets, while Ruyel Miah, Azmatullah Omarzai and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with one scalp apiece.

Opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz remained the top-scorer for the Capitals in the failed run chase with a 44-ball 51, featuring three fours and two sixes, until eventually falling victim to Irshad in the 13th over.

Earlier, Capitals captain Mohammad Mithun won the toss and put the Titans into bat. The decision backfired as the home side registered a formidable total of 180/6 in their allotted 20 overs, courtesy of a collective effort.

Arif Islam remained the top-scorer for the Titans with a 29-ball 38 up the order, followed by Omarzai and Parvez Hossain Emon, who made 33 and 32, respectively.

Moeen bolstered the Titans' total at the backend with a blistering 28-run cameo, coming off just eight deliveries and studded with three sixes and two fours.

For his swashbuckling cameo and two wickets, Moeen was adjudged the Player of the Match award.

For the Capitals, Ziaur Rahman led the bowling charge with three wickets, while Saif Hassan, Nasir Hossain and Imad Wasim could pick up one apiece.

The 20-run victory lifted Sylhet Titans to third position in the BPL 2025-26 standings with eight points in eight matches, while Dhaka Capitals remained fifth with four points in two games less.