Chris Woakes put in an all-round performance in the 2025/26 Bangladesh Premier League Eliminator, following up a two-wicket haul with a last-ball six with the bat to clinch the game for Sylhet Titans.
Woakes, who retired from international cricket last summer, made his BPL debut on Tuesday (January 20), against the Rangpur Riders. He made a mark almost immediately by sending back compatriot Dawid Malan in his second over. By the end of his third, he had conceded only 10 runs, and then completed his spell with the wicket of Aliss Al Islam, to finish with 2-15. Rangpur managed 111-9 in their 20 overs, but the run chase was not as straightforward.
Eliminator, Rangpur Riders vs Sylhet Titans
vs
- Ball by ball Over
Chris Woakes turns finisher, hits last ball for winning six
Sylhet lost a wicket on the fourth ball of the innings, and were soon 44-4 by the eighth over. Sam Billings (29 in 40) and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz (18 in 23) held the fort, putting on a 50-run stand, but their quick departure in the space of three runs brought Rangpur back into the game.
Woakes walked out to bat at No.8 when the equation was 15 off the last 11 deliveries. He and Moeen Ali added eight in the next six balls, but the latter departed while going for a big hit after playing out two dots in a row.
Seven runs were needed off the last two balls with new batter Khaled Ahmed on strike. They ran a single, leaving Woakes to get six off the last ball against Faheem Ashraf. Woakes took a wild swing against the fuller delivery outside the off stump, sending it sailing over extra cover for a six, to help his team to a memorable win.
They will now play the second Qualifier on January 21, against the winners of the Rajshahi Warriors-Chattogram Royals Qualifier 1 clash.
Woakes' last T20 franchise appearance was for MI Emirates in the 2025/26 ILT20, where he finished with two wickets from three matches.
Watch the last-ball six here:
Sylhet Titans take the win! 💥 what a performance. What a moment.
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) January 20, 2026
BASHUNDHARA CEMENT BPL 2026, POWERED BY WALTON LIFT#BPL2026 pic.twitter.com/TL4Q1UZExP
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