Chittagong Kings clinched their place in the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 by edging past Khulna Tigers with a dramatic two-wicket win during the Qualifier 2 match held on February 5, 2025, at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The match, which kept fans on the edge of their seats, witnessed Aliss Al Islam hitting the decisive boundary off the last ball, sealing the victory under intense pressure.
Chasing a target of 164 runs, Chittagong faced early setbacks, losing two wickets for just 35 runs. Parvez Hossain Emon and Graham Clark were dismissed cheaply, but Khawaja Nafay and Hussain Talat steadied the ship with their resolute batting, forming a solid 70-run partnership. Nafay top-scored with 57 runs off 46 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, providing the backbone of the innings, whereas Talat added a valuable 40 runs.
The narrative of the match took a twist as Khulna Tigers’ bowlers, particularly Hasan Mahmud and Mushfik Rahman, applied pressure during the death overs. Hasan picked up three wickets for 28 runs, and Rahman took two for 17, leading to Chittagong's middle-order collapse. From a comfortable position, they found themselves teetering at 116 for 7, needing 34 runs from the last 18 balls, with all tail-enders at the crease.
Despite the faltering situation, Aliss Al Islam showcased immense bravery. Coming to bat at No. 9, he initially scored 10 runs before suffering an injury, forcing him to retire hurt. Arafat Sunny joined the chase, scoring 18 not out, but it all came down to the final over with Chittagong needing 15 runs for victory.
With uncertainty hanging over the outcome of the match, Aliss returned to the crease to face the last ball of the innings. After Sunny hit a boundary and Shoriful Islam, who briefly replaced Aliss, was dismissed, Chittagong found themselves needing four runs off the final delivery. Amid rising tensions, Aliss elegantly lofted the ball over cover-point for the winning boundary, sparking jubilation within the Chittagong camp.
Earlier, Khulna Tigers had posted 163 for 6 on the board, thanks majorly to Shimron Hetmyer’s explosive knock of 63 runs from 29 balls, which included six fours and four sixes. His innings came at the right time, as Khulna’s early batting struggles saw them reduced to 42 for 4 at one point, with notable performances from Chittagong bowlers, including pace bowler Binura Fernando, who took two wickets and was economical throughout his spell, finishing at 2 for 27.
The thrilling finish not only demonstrated the resilience of the Chittagong Kings but also highlighted moments of despair for Khulna, who will regret not capitalizing on their early dominance. Chittagong’s captain praised the team’s spirit and Aliss's composure under pressure, stating, "A nerve-wracking finish! Full credit to the boys for holding their nerve. Aliss showed great composure at the end, and our bowlers did well to restrict Khulna." Meanwhile, Khulna’s skipper acknowledged their shortcoming: "Tough loss, especially after getting so close. Our bowlers fought back well, but credit to Chittagong for finishing it off.”
The Chittagong Kings now prepare for the final against Fortune Barishal, their opponents who handed them their earlier defeat. The grand final is set to take place at the same venue on February 7, providing Chittagong with the opportunity to lift the BPL trophy.
Reflecting on the dramatic play of the day, Aliss Al Islam said, "I just stayed calm and backed myself to finish the job. Coming back from injury, this win means a lot. We were determined to reach the final, and I'm happy I could contribute." His sentiments encapsulate the spirit of not just the match, but the thrilling narrative of the BPL as it heads toward its conclusion.