Fortune Barishal successfully defended their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title dramatically, securing a nail-biting three-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings in the final at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mirpur, on Friday (February 7).
Chasing a daunting target of 195, Barishal clinched their second consecutive BPL championship with just three balls to spare. The hero of the final moments was Rishad Hossain, who played a blistering cameo, smashing 18 runs off just six balls to take his team over the line.
The chase started on a strong note as openers Tamim Iqbal and Towhid Hridoy built a solid foundation. The duo stitched together a 76-run stand in just 8.1 overs, setting the tone for the innings.
Tamim was in sublime touch, racing to a 29-ball 54, peppered with nine boundaries and a six, before falling to Shoriful Islam. However, Chittagong struck back swiftly, dismissing Hridoy (32 off 28) and Dawid Malan (1) in quick succession to put pressure on Barishal.
West Indian powerhouse Kyle Mayers kept the chase on track with a fiery 46 off 28 balls, hammering three sixes and as many fours. But just as Barishal seemed in control, Shoriful turned the game on its head in the 18th over, removing both Mayers and Mahmudullah (7) to bring Chittagong back into contention.
With eight needed off the final over, Rishad rose to the occasion. Facing Hussain Talat, he hammered a massive six off the first delivery, reducing the equation to two runs off five balls. A single followed by a wide from Talat sealed the deal, sparking celebrations in the Barishal camp.
For Chittagong, Shoriful Islam was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 34, while Naeem Islam chipped in with two crucial wickets.
Earlier in the match, Chittagong Kings put up an imposing total of 194/3 after being sent in to bat by Barishal skipper Tamim Iqbal.
Their innings got off to a flying start, with openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Khwaja Nafay making full use of the powerplay, amassing 57 runs without losing a wicket. The duo continued their aggressive approach, helping the Kings cross the 100-run mark in just 11 overs.
Parvez was particularly explosive, reaching his half-century in just 30 balls, while Nafay played a slightly more measured knock, bringing up his fifty in 37 balls. The two stitched together a 100-run stand off 76 deliveries before Nafay fell to Ebadat Hossain for a well-made 66 off 44 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes.
Even after Nafay’s departure, Parvez maintained the momentum, forging a 70-run partnership with Graham Clark in just 40 balls. Clark contributed a quickfire 44 off 23 balls before being run out in the final over. Parvez remained unbeaten on 78 off 49, anchoring the innings with six fours and four sixes.
For Barishal, Ebadat Hossain and Mohammad Ali were the only bowlers to register wickets, picking up one apiece.
In the end, despite Chittagong’s strong batting display, it was Barishal’s resilience under pressure that saw them emerge victorious, defending their BPL crown in style.
BDST: 1005 HRS, FEB 08, 2025
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