In a thrilling start to the Bangladesh Premier League 2024-25 season, Fortune Barishal clinched a four-wicket victory over Durbar Rajshahi while chasing a mammoth target of 198 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on Monday.
Fortune Barishal won the toss and elected to field aiming to capitalize on favorable bowling conditions. Overseas bowler Kyle Mayers gave Barishal a brilliant start by claiming the wickets of both Rajshahi openers. Jishan Alam departed for a duck, while Mohammad Haris was dismissed for 13. Rajshahi found themselves in serious trouble at 25 for two.
However, skipper Anamul Haque Bijoy and Yasir Ali Rabbi steadied the ship dominating the Barishal bowlers with a commanding 140-run partnership for the 3rd wicket. Bijoy departed after scoring 65 off 51 deliveries laced with four boundaries and five sixes.
The innings was anchored by a stellar performance from Yasir Ali Rabbi, who remained unbeaten on 94, just six runs short of a well-deserved century. His 47-ball knock included seven fours and eight towering sixes. Ryan Burl remained unbeaten on nine as Rajshahi posted an imposing 197 for three in their allotted 20 overs.
For Barishal, Mayers claimed two wickets, while Faheem Ashraf picked up the crucial wicket of Bijoy.
In response, Barishal faced early setbacks losing six wickets for 112 runs by the 13th over. Opener Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for a duck, captain Tamim Iqbal managed only seven, Mayers scored six and Mushfiqur Rahim added 13. Tawhid Hridoy showed promise with a 32 off 23 but failed to convert it into a big score. But the game turned on its head with explosive innings from Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mahmudullah and Faheem Ashraf. Afridi's cameo of 27 off 17 balls set the tone before Faheem's blistering knock of unbeaten 54 off just 21 balls hitting one four and clearing the boundary seven times. Mahmudullah provided stability and firepower remaining unbeaten on 56 off 26 deliveries including five fours and four sixes. Barishal thus, reached 200 for six with 11 balls to spare. For Rajshahi, Taskin Ahmed claimed three wickets for 32 runs. Spinner Hasan Murad took two wickets, while Jishan Alam picked up one.
Mahmudullah of Barishal was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
