In this year’s BPL, the two teams that are often considered the big contenders are Fortune Barishal and Rangpur Riders. However, their first encounter in the tournament didn’t quite live up to the expectations of a battle between the heavyweights. In today’s second match at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, the 2017 champions Rangpur Riders defeated the defending champions Barishal by 8 wickets in a one-sided victory.
As the match neared its end, the fog almost enveloped the stadium due to the intense cold. From the press box, the middle of the pitch appeared blurry. Despite the challenging weather, Rangpur sealed the win with 5 overs to spare.
Although Rangpur lost 2 wickets for 15 runs, openers Alex Hales and No. 4 batsman Saif Hassan finished the game. Their unbeaten 113-run partnership for the third wicket ensured Rangpur’s victory. Hales struck a six off Fahim Ashraf to seal the win, remaining not out at 49 off 41 balls, while Saif was unbeaten on 62 off 46 balls. Barishal’s loss was compounded by a worrying injury to wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim’s left hand while keeping, although coach Mizanur Rahman later stated it was not serious.
Barishal, who batted first after losing the toss, started strong with 10 runs from Kamrul Islam’s first over, thanks to a four and a six by opener and captain Tamim Iqbal. However, that initial momentum quickly fizzled out. Tamim made 28 off 18 balls, but before he could do more damage, his opening partner Najmul Hossain and Taohid Hridoy were dismissed. After Tamim’s departure, Barishal lost their way, with the last 9 wickets falling for just 82 runs.
It’s important to note that the Mirpur pitch didn’t suddenly become a bowling-friendly one. Like the earlier games in the tournament, batting wasn’t necessarily difficult, but Barishal’s batsmen made it harder by playing poor shots. Rangpur’s Khushdil Shah claimed 3 wickets for 18 runs, while Iftikhar Ahmed took 2 wickets for 10 runs, and Nahid Rana bagged 2 wickets for 32 runs.
Match Summary:
- Fortune Barishal: 124 all out in 18.2 overs (Tamim 28, Nabi 21, Mushfiq 15, Mayers 13; Khushdil 3/18, Iftikhar 2/10, Rana 2/32).
- Rangpur Riders: 128/2 in 15 overs (Saif 62*, Hales 49*; Imon 2/41).
Result: Rangpur Riders won by 8 wickets.
Man of the Match: Saif Hassan.
