Right then, that is it from this nail-biting Qualifier 2 where Chittagong Kings break the hearts of Khulna Tigers. Now, we shift our focus to the biggest of them of all - The Grand Finale of the Bangladesh Premier League 2024/25 between Fortune Barishal and Chittagong Kings. That game is scheduled for 7th February, Friday at 6.30 pm IST (1 pm GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mohammad Mithun, the victorious skipper of Chittagong Kings says that this an incredible win for them and these types of games make you emotional. Adds that they bowled well in the first 15 overs but conceded a few too many at the death. Mentions that in the batting as well, they had the momentum but then they lost too many wickets but the way Arafat Sunny and Aliss Al Islam finished the game was simply brilliant. Says that at one point, they though they lost the game, but it was just meant to be. Further adds that this win will give them a huge boost going into the final. Ends by saying that they are looking forward to the big game and will give their everything to lift the trophy.

Aliss Al Islam is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his all-round brilliance and last-ball heroics. He says that when he was batting with Arafat Sunny, his partner told him to keep the belief as he has the ability to hit the big ones, and in cricket anything is possible. Adds that while taking the second run he twisted his ankle, and they did not want to take the risk because they needed someone who could run. Mentions that when Shoriful Islam hit that boundary, they found their belief back. Ends by saying that, he told Sunny, if it was meant to be, he would hit a six, but ended up hitting a boundary which was all they needed.

Mehidy Hasan, the captain of Khulna Tigers says that it was an excellent match and the boys played really well, especially Aliss Al Islam. Mentions that this is cricket and this happens all the time. Further mentions that the wicket looked tricky and Shimron Hetmyer batted really well. Adds that they were at least 10 runs short. Further adds that they definitely fell short in the Powerplay. Says that it is difficult for the bowlers to bowl here in tricky conditions. Concludes by thanking the crowd for their support.

Presentation Time...

Khulna Tigers started well with early wickets and then roared back in the middle overs, grabbing five in no time to seize control. Hasan Mahmud and Nasum Ahmed were brilliant, sharing five scalps, while Musfik Hasan chipped in with three. But all their efforts were undone in the final over, where Musfik just couldn’t defend 14 runs, culminating in a gut-wrenching last-ball defeat. A tough pill to swallow for KT after coming so close!

Earlier in the game, Khulna Tigers fought back brilliantly to post a strong total, thanks to a blistering fifty from Shimron Hetmyer, a composed knock from Mahidul Islam Ankon, and some late fireworks from Jason Holder. Chittagong Kings had them reeling at 42/4 but couldn’t keep the pressure on. Binura Fernando and Aliss Al Islam were outstanding, sharing three wickets while keeping things tight, but Shoriful Islam had a day to forget.

What a rollercoaster of a game! Chittagong Kings were cruising at 105/2, thanks to a solid 70-run stand between Khawaja Nafay and Hussain Talat, but a dramatic collapse saw them stumble to 130/7 in no time. Just when all seemed lost, Arafat Sunny and Aliss Al Islam reignited hope with some powerful hits. Needing 15 off the final over, and 8 off 3 when Aliss limped off injured, the drama peaked. Shoriful Islam struck a boundary but fell immediately, leaving a wounded Aliss with one ball and four runs to get. And like a true warrior, he delivered - smashing the last ball to the ropes and sealing CK’s place in the final!

PHEW! WHAT A THRILLER! Aliss Al Islam, take a bow! A wounded lion truly roars the loudest, and he has just taken Chittagong Kings to the final in stunning fashion. Wild celebrations erupt in Dhaka as his teammates rush to their hero, while heartbreak engulfs Khulna Tigers - especially Musfik Hasan, who is in tears after that agonizing final over. And with that, we have our grand finale set - Fortune Barishal vs Chittagong Kings!

It's all happening here. Aliss Al Islam is getting padded up again just outside the ropes, and he is walking out to the middle to face the last ball. Can he hit a boundary or a six to take his side home here? It all comes down to this.

Shoriful Islam walks out to bat now. 8 needed in 3 now.

Musfik Hasan to bowl the last over. Can he defend 14 runs here? Are we in for a Super Over? All the questions will be answered in the next few minutes.