Sylhet Titans will face Rangpur Riders in the Bangladesh Premier League Eliminator on Wednesday afternoon, with England batter Ethan Brookes calling for aggressive but intelligent cricket as the knockout phase begins.
The playoff campaign starts with the Eliminator at 1.30pm local time, where the winner will keep their title hopes alive and the loser will exit the tournament. Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Brookes said Sylhet were confident and fully aware of the challenge posed by a strong Rangpur side led by Litton Das.
“Our team is in a very positive place,” Brookes said. “Everyone is playing good cricket and now it is knockout time. Rangpur are a very strong team, so if we want to beat them we have to give our best and play attacking cricket. But if wickets fall early, playing smart cricket is also important.”
Brookes stressed that Sylhet were not looking too far ahead despite being just three wins away from the title. “Everyone is really excited about this match,” he said. “We have enough confidence. There are only three matches left, but we are not thinking of it as just one game. We want to give our best in every moment.”
The English batter also spoke warmly about his experience in Bangladesh, praising both the media and the supporters. “It has been a great experience coming here,” he said. “There are so many people and the media coverage has been really nice. As a player, you like that. The positivity from you is amazing and it helps players become more recognised.”
Brookes added that the standard of cricket and hospitality had left a strong impression on him. “I am really enjoying it here,” he said. “There are a lot of very good players and I am learning many new things. It is a new experience. Everyone is very friendly and hospitable, and the supporters are some of the best I have seen. So far, my time here has been great.”
