The Sylhet Strikers showed their mettle in a gripping match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, winning by 12 runs against the Comilla Victorians in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Sylhet's outstanding play validated their worth on the field, even if they had already been eliminated from postseason contention. Comilla's attempt to qualify as the second team for the playoffs was unsuccessful since only the Rangpur Riders had confirmed their status as of yet.

The standout performer of the match was Benny Howell, the France-born English player, whose exceptional all-round display left an indelible mark on the game. Howell's blazing batting prowess, exemplified by his unbeaten 62 off just 31 deliveries, propelled the Strikers to a competitive total of 177-5 after opting to bat first. Additionally, his economical bowling spell of 1-36 in four overs played a pivotal role in restricting Comilla's chase.

While Comilla boasted a formidable lineup featuring Caribbean powerhouses Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, it was Howell's brilliance that overshadowed their impact.

Narine lived up to his reputation with figures of 2-16 in four overs, but Russell, known for his game-changing abilities, faltered when it mattered most, managing only 23 runs off 14 balls before being dismissed.

Sylhet's innings saw contributions from Kennar Lewis, Mohammad Mithun, and Howell, who rescued the team from a precarious position at 74-4.

Lewis provided a brisk start with his 33 off 25 balls, while Mithun's quickfire 28 off 20 deliveries stabilized the innings alongside Howell's explosive hitting.

In response, Comilla's chase was anchored by Liton Das's superb 85 off 58 balls but lacked substantial support from the rest of the lineup.

Imrul Kayes, Towhid Hridoy, and Johnson Charles failed to capitalize on their opportunities, with Charles's slow innings proving costly in the end.

As the match approached its climax, Comilla found themselves needing an improbable 25 runs off the final over. Despite a valiant effort from Jaker Ali Anik and Russell, the target proved insurmountable as Sylhet emerged victorious, underscoring their resilience in the face of formidable opposition.

With this result, Sylhet Strikers reaffirmed their competitive prowess in the BPL, while Comilla Victorians will look to regroup and bounce back stronger in their quest for playoff qualification.