Fortune Barishal’s Third Win in Four Matches, Sylhet Strikers Suffer Hat-Trick of Losses
Fortune Barishal secured their third win in four games by handing Sylhet Strikers their third consecutive defeat.
On the first day of the Sylhet phase of the BPL, the crowd’s enthusiasm was electric, but it reached another level on the second day. With the Sylhet Strikers in action, the stadium was packed to the brim. Cheers erupted not just for boundaries but even for singles and doubles. However, the home team failed to give their fans much to celebrate, delivering another disappointing performance in both batting and bowling as they succumbed to their third straight defeat.
On paper, Fortune Barishal had the stronger squad, and they proved their superiority on the field with a dominant seven-wicket victory over last year’s champions. This marked their third win in four matches.
After winning the toss, Sylhet opted to bat but were bundled out for 125. Barishal chased down the target in just 10.3 overs.
Bowling Brilliance Sets the Stage
Playing his second match, Jahandad Khan starred with the ball, picking up three crucial wickets. Spinner Rishad Hossain, also in his second outing, grabbed three wickets as well, proving his worth in the squad. Kyle Mayers chipped in with an economical spell, setting the tone with the new ball.
Mayers and Hridoy’s Destructive Partnership
In their chase, Barishal stumbled early, losing two wickets in the first two overs. Skipper Tamim Iqbal fell for a golden duck on the very first ball, while Najmul Hossain Shanto managed only 4. The Sylhet crowd roared in excitement, sensing an opening.
But their hopes were dashed as Kyle Mayers and Towhid Hridoy unleashed a batting masterclass. Mayers smashed two fours and a six off Rakheem Cornwall in the third over, signaling the onslaught. Hridoy joined the party, and the pair added runs at a blistering pace.
Barishal crossed the 100-run mark in just the 9th over, with Mayers and Hridoy punishing every Sylhet bowler. The duo added 116 runs off 51 balls, taking the game completely away from Sylhet. Hridoy fell just before the finish line, scoring 48 off 27 balls, while Mayers remained unbeaten on 59 off 31.
A Match to Forget for Sylhet
Sylhet’s innings started with promise as they scored 60 runs in the powerplay, despite losing two wickets. However, they collapsed dramatically, losing six wickets for just 13 runs in the middle overs. Jahandad Khan’s double strike in his first over and Rishad Hossain’s spin dismantled Sylhet’s batting lineup.
Captain Ariful Haque’s 36 off 29 balls provided some resistance, but the damage was already done. Sylhet managed only 125 runs, which proved far too little against Barishal’s firepower.
Match Summary:
Sylhet Strikers: 125 all out in 18.2 overs (Rony 0, Cornwall 18, Zakir 25, Ariful 36; Jahandad 3/18, Rishad 3/15).
Fortune Barishal: 126/3 in 10.3 overs (Mayers 59*, Hridoy 48; Cornwall 1/16).
Result: Fortune Barishal won by 7 wickets.
Player of the Match: Jahandad Khan.
