Kent all-rounder Azhar Mahmood celebrated his 37th birthday in style on Tuesday as he helped the Dhaka Gladiators book their place in the BPL final.

Mahmood’s stunning innings of 65 off just 39 balls helped the Gladiators to a decent total of 191 for 4 off their 20 overs against the Khulna Royal Bengals winning him the Man of the Match award.

Batting at number four in the order, Azhar smashed six fours and three sixes as Dhaka set an imposing target, however fellow Kent all-rounder had to sit on the sidelines as both he and West Indian Kieron Pollard were dropped in favour of Pakistan duo Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal.

The Bengals gave a spirited attempt at chading down the Gladiators target, losing by just nine runs in the end after Shakib Al Hasan hit an incredible 86 off just 41 balls.

Mahmood is expected to be part of the Gladiators side that faces the Barishal Burners on Wednesday afternoon with play getting underway at 12:30pm UK time.