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Barishal Thrash Rajshahi to Begin Title-defense in Style

Rtv News

  30 Dec 2024, 19:51
Photo: Collected

Defending Champions Fortune Barishal Start Title Defense with a Stunning Win Over Durbar Rajshahi.

Fortune Barishal began their title defense in style, pulling off a thrilling four-wicket victory against Durbar Rajshahi in a high-scoring clash of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

On Monday (December 30), Rajshahi set a challenging target of 198 runs for Barishal while batting first. In response, Barishal secured victory with 11 balls and 4 wickets in hand. With this win, Barishal started the tournament on a positive note.

Rajshahi posted a competitive 197-7, fueled by an unbeaten 94 from Yasir Ali, who dazzled with seven fours and eight sixes in just 47 balls. Yasir, supported by skipper Anamul Haque Bijoy's 65 off 51 deliveries, helped Rajshahi recover from a precarious 25-2, sharing a 140-run stand for the third wicket. Kyle Mayers was the pick of Barishal’s bowlers, claiming 2-13 in three overs and dismissing both openers.

Barishal’s chase began shakily, slumping to 61-5 by the ninth over as Taskin Ahmed (3-31) and Hasan Murad wreaked havoc. Taskin dismissed Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal (7) and dangerman Kyle Mayers (6), while Jishan Alam sent Najmul Hossain Shanto back for a first-ball duck. Towhid Hridoy offered brief resistance with a 23-ball 32 before falling to Murad, who also removed Mushfiqur Rahim (13).

With Rajshahi firmly in control, veteran Mahmudullah Riyad turned the game on its head with a blistering 56 off 26 balls, smashing five fours and four sixes. He found an able partner in Pakistan’s Fahim Ashraf, who hammered 54 not out off just 21 balls, including one four and seven towering sixes.

The pair shared an unbroken 88-run partnership off just 47 balls for the seventh wicket, steering Barishal to victory with 11 balls to spare. Ashraf sealed the win in style with a massive six, leaving Rajshahi stunned despite Taskin’s valiant effort.

Earlier, Rajshahi’s Yasir Ali looked set for a maiden T20 century but was denied on 94, taking a single off the penultimate ball of the innings. His heroics gave Rajshahi hope, but Mahmudullah and Ashraf’s late blitz crushed their dreams of a winning start.

Barishal’s thrilling victory showcased their resilience and highlighted the importance of experience and composure under pressure, setting the tone for another exciting BPL season.

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