Defending champions Fortune Barishal began the 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in style, securing a dominant four-wicket victory over Durbar Rajshahi.
After winning the toss, Barishal’s captain, Tamim Iqbal, opted to field first, and Rajshahi set a formidable total of 197/3 in their 20 overs. Yasir Ali played a stunning knock, remaining unbeaten on 94 from 47 balls, while captain Anamul Haque Bijoy contributed 65 off 51 balls.
In response, Barishal chased down the target in 19.1 overs, with Mahmudullah Riyad’s explosive 56* off 26 balls and Fahim Ashraf’s equally impressive 54* off 21 balls leading them to victory.
Barishal’s chase got off to a rocky start, losing both openers early for just 12 runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for a duck, LBW to Jishan Alam, and Tamim Iqbal followed soon after, caught by Taskin Ahmed. In the second over, Taskin also sent Kyle Meyers packing for 6 runs, caught at deep mid-wicket while attempting a pull shot.
Sabbir is determined to prove himself once again in the 11th BPL.
At 61/5, Barishal looked in trouble, with Mushfiqur Rahim (13) and Towhid Hridoy (32 from 23) both dismissed. But Mahmudullah steadied the ship, forming two crucial partnerships—one with Shahin Afridi, with whom he added 51 runs, and another with Fahim Ashraf, adding an unbeaten 88 runs to guide Barishal home.
For Rajshahi, Taskin Ahmed was the standout bowler, taking 3/31, while Hasan Murad claimed 2/42, and Jishan Alam picked up 1/6.
Earlier, Rajshahi had set the big target thanks to solid performances from Yasir Ali and Anamul Haque. Yasir’s unbeaten 94, supported by Anamul’s 65, helped Rajshahi post 197/3. After losing an early wicket, Rajshahi recovered with a 140-run third-wicket partnership between Anamul and Yasir. Anamul’s knock included four fours and five sixes before he was dismissed in the 18th over. Yasir, however, stayed strong, finishing unbeaten at 94, with seven fours and eight sixes.
Mayers was the best bowler for Barishal, taking two wickets, as Rajshahi made a solid return to the BPL after missing out on previous editions.