Azhar Mahmood put in a splendid all-round show to help Dhaka Gladiators defeat Barisal Burners by 21 runs in the Bangladesh Premier League on Tuesday.

He first blasted 77 not out off 47 deliveries, hitting three sixes and eight fours in the process, and then removed century-maker Chris Gayle at a crucial juncture to end all chances of Barisal of winning the game. Gayle hit 11 sixes and six fours in his 61-ball 116.

Mahmood also removed Mithun Ali (38), the other notable scorer for Barisal, on the last ball of the match as Barisal ended their 20 overs on 187 for five. Earlier, Imran Nazir (58 off 35 balls) combined with Mahmood after the fall of two early wickets in a 86-run stand. His ferocious inning included five sixes and three fours.

Mahmood then carried on with Kieron Pollard, who also hit five sixes during his 15-ball knock which produced 36 runs and for his fine display Mahmood was declared man of the match.

Just 24 hours earlier it was Darren Stevens who was in the runs for the Dhaka Gladiators as they beat the Chittagong KIngs by six wickets.

The Kent all-rounder smashed 43 off just 38 balls as he partnered Pollard to see the side home with six balls to spare.

Tuesday’s win has seen Dhaka move to the top of the Bangladesh Premier League table, winning three of their first four games.

The Gladiators are back in action again on Thursday when they take on the Duronto Rajshahi with the game scheduled to start at 12:30pm UK time.

Following that, the Gladiators have got five more group games with the semi-final taking place on Tuesday 28th February and the final is just twenty four hours later.