In a low-scoring encounter at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Barishal Fortune got off to a solid start in the eighth season of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), defeating Chattogram Challengers by four wickets.
While there was a tremendous demand for runs to make the BPL more interesting, it was not fully realized in the opening game of the country’s most glamorous event, as both teams struggled to bat.
The Mirpur pitch was sluggish and low, and after winning the toss, Barishal captain Shakib Al Hasan didn’t hesitate to put Chattogram in to bat.
Chattogram were held to a score of 125-8, while Barishal huffed and puffed their way to a score of 126-6.
Chattogram captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with an impressive 4-0-16-4, but his four wicket haul was in vain.
Opener Shykat Ali was the highest scorer for Barishal with 39 off 35, hitting one four and two sixes. Shykat kept the side’s nose ahead once Miraz took the wicket of Najmul Hossain Shanto (1) and Shakib Al Hasan in quick succession.
Towhid Hridoy and Irfan Shukkur scored identical 16 runs to give Shykat some support. Miraz however removed Shukkur and Shykat in his second spell to get the side back into track.
But Dwayne Bravo (12 not out) and Ziaur Rahman (19 not out) batted with calculated aggression to sail the side home.
Earlier, Benny Howell propelled Chattogram past 100 runs mark with his ultra-aggressive batting. He blasted 41 off 20 with three fours and as many sixes and his knock came at the moment when Chattogram’s innings needed an impetus following a disastrous start. Opener Will Jacks was the other notable scorer with 16 while Naeem Islam made 15.
Barishal’s West Indian pacer Alzarri Joseph claimed 3-32 while Nayeem Hasan scalped 2-25. Shakib though got one wicket, he gave away just nine runs in his four overs.
