Top ten T20 matches of all time: Part 2

Dhaka Gladiators vs. Sylhet Royals, Race to the finals, 2013

The play-off stage of the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League (2nd season) saw the clash of two excellent teams as Dhaka Gladiators, eventual champions in 2013 and defending champions, battled against Sylhet Royals.

The pair of T. Dilshan and Chris Gayle (who also happen to form the opening pair at Royal Challengers Bangalore) were at the head of the batting order for Dhaka; and while Dilshan’s stay was short, Gayle brought the storm along with him, scoring a stunning century leading the side to a massive total of 197 and finishing with a personal score of 114 of just 51 balls including 12 sixes (a preview to the knock of 175 that he would score in the IPL later that year).

It was even more astonishing that Sylhet Royals gave a healthy chase to the target and almost got there on the strength of Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 86 runs of just 44 balls. Royals required 24 runs off the last over and Mashrafe Mortaza was smashed for two sixes by Elton Chigumbura off the first two balls to get the team close as Rahim received a free-hit.

However, Rahim was dismissed at a critical moment. A last-ball six was required, but Chigumbura was caught out at deep mid-wicket as Sylhet Royals lost by 4 runs.