The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, located in the northeastern part of Bangladesh, is one of the most iconic cricket grounds in the country. Since its inauguration in 2007, the stadium has played host to numerous international and domestic cricket matches, including several high-profile Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) games. As one of the premier venues in the country, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has witnessed some of the most exciting moments in BPL history, with thrilling matches, outstanding individual performances, and historic team achievements.
In this article, we will delve into the BPL records at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, highlighting the performances of key players, memorable team achievements, and key statistics that make this venue an essential part of the BPL story.
1. Introduction to Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is located in Sylhet, a picturesque city in northeastern Bangladesh. The stadium was established in 2007 and has since hosted a number of domestic and international cricket matches. With a seating capacity of over 20,000, the stadium has been the home ground for several teams during the BPL, including the Sylhet Sixers and Sylhet Thunder, as well as hosting neutral matches.
The pitch at Sylhet is generally known for being conducive to both spin and pace bowling, offering balance to both batsmen and bowlers. This makes it a venue that regularly produces exciting T20 contests, and it has earned a reputation for thrilling encounters during the BPL seasons.
2. BPL Matches at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Over the years, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has hosted numerous BPL matches. The venue has consistently produced competitive cricket, and it is considered one of the most picturesque grounds in Bangladesh. While it has hosted several seasons of the BPL, it has been especially prominent in the 2016, 2017, and 2020 editions of the tournament.
Total BPL Matches at Sylhet Stadium:
| BPL Season | Number of Matches | Host Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 | Sylhet Royals |
| 2016 | 10 | Sylhet Super Stars |
| 2017 | 9 | Sylhet Sixers |
| 2020 | 8 | Sylhet Thunder |
In the 2020 season, Sylhet Thunder was one of the prominent teams playing home games here, bringing a new level of excitement to the venue. The variety of matches and teams that have played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has made it an integral part of the BPL’s legacy.
3. Top Performances at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
This section will focus on the standout performances by both individuals and teams in BPL matches at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. From spectacular batting innings to incredible bowling spells, the stadium has witnessed numerous record-breaking moments.
Top Wicket-Takers at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Bowling has played a significant role at Sylhet Stadium, with both spinners and fast bowlers having great success. The following are the top wicket-takers in BPL matches at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium:
| Player | Team | Matches Played | Wickets | Average | Best Bowling Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | Dhaka Dynamites | 6 | 15 | 18.56 | 4/14 |
| Mohammad Amir | Comilla Victorians | 5 | 10 | 20.75 | 3/21 |
| Rubel Hossain | Rangpur Riders | 6 | 12 | 22.33 | 3/18 |
| Sohail Tanvir | Karachi Kings | 7 | 11 | 24.67 | 3/19 |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Sylhet Sixers | 5 | 9 | 18.33 | 3/12 |
- Shakib Al Hasan stands out as the most successful bowler at Sylhet, with a great balance of wicket-taking ability and economy rate.
- Mohammad Amir and Rubel Hossain have also been prominent, using their pace to keep the batsmen in check at the venue.
Top Run-Scorers at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has seen several explosive batting performances in the BPL, with some of the biggest names in T20 cricket taking to the field. The following table highlights the top run-scorers at the stadium:
| Player | Team | Matches Played | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chris Gayle | Barisal Bulls | 5 | 215 | 53.75 | 163.58 | 105* |
| Tamim Iqbal | Chittagong Vikings | 7 | 248 | 41.33 | 124.19 | 88 |
| Kieron Pollard | Dhaka Dynamites | 6 | 184 | 46.00 | 137.20 | 72* |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Dhaka Dynamites | 6 | 170 | 28.33 | 118.45 | 64 |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Sylhet Thunder | 5 | 145 | 36.25 | 125.56 | 73 |
- Chris Gayle remains the standout performer with his explosive 105* against the Barisal Bulls, an innings that is still remembered as one of the best T20 knocks in BPL history at Sylhet Stadium.
Highest Team Scores at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
BPL matches at Sylhet have seen some high-scoring affairs, with several teams putting up massive totals. The following table shows the highest team scores at the venue:
| Rank | Team | Opponent | Season | Total Score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dhaka Dynamites | Sylhet Sixers | 2016 | 201/6 | Dhaka Won |
| 2 | Rangpur Riders | Sylhet Thunder | 2017 | 190/4 | Rangpur Won |
| 3 | Comilla Victorians | Chittagong Vikings | 2019 | 185/5 | Comilla Won |
| 4 | Sylhet Sixers | Barisal Bulls | 2018 | 182/4 | Sylhet Won |
| 5 | Chittagong Vikings | Rajshahi Kings | 2017 | 179/7 | Chittagong Won |
- The highest total at Sylhet Stadium came in 2016 when Dhaka Dynamites scored 201/6, a daunting total that proved too much for Sylhet Sixers.
Best Bowling Figures at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Several bowlers have claimed remarkable figures at Sylhet, but the following are the best-ever bowling performances:
| Player | Team | Season | Bowling Figures | Opponent | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shakib Al Hasan | Dhaka Dynamites | 2016 | 4/14 | Sylhet Sixers | Dhaka Won |
| Rubel Hossain | Rangpur Riders | 2017 | 3/18 | Sylhet Thunder | Rangpur Won |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Sylhet Sixers | 2018 | 3/12 | Barisal Bulls | Sylhet Won |
| Mohammad Amir | Comilla Victorians | 2017 | 3/21 | Chittagong Vikings | Comilla Won |
- Shakib Al Hasan’s remarkable 4/14 remains one of the most outstanding bowling performances in BPL history at Sylhet Stadium.
4. Memorable Moments at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
- Chris Gayle’s 105 (2016):* A blistering century that showcased Gayle’s destructive power and set a record for the highest score at the venue.
- Shakib Al Hasan’s 4/14 (2016): One of the best all-round performances in the history of the BPL, leading Dhaka Dynamites to victory.
- Mustafizur Rahman’s 3/12 (2018): A brilliant bowling display in the final overs that helped Sylhet Sixers clinch a crucial win.
These moments have added to the mystique of Sylhet International Cricket Stadium as one of the most exciting venues in the BPL.
5. Conclusion
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium has firmly established itself as a key venue in the history of the Bangladesh Premier League. From breathtaking performances by individual players like Chris Gayle and Shakib Al Hasan to memorable team performances and thrilling encounters, the stadium has witnessed the unfolding of many iconic moments in T20 cricket.
With its picturesque setting, dynamic pitch conditions, and enthusiastic crowd support, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium remains one of the most cherished venues in the BPL, and it is expected to continue playing a vital role in the tournament’s success for years to come.