The partnership that brought victory in the previous match broke down early this time due to a misunderstanding, resulting in Tamim Iqbal being run out. Before his departure, there was a brief dispute over the run-out with Dawid Malan. After the incident with the captain, Malan composed himself and, despite losing three more wickets quickly at the other end, held firm and guided the team to victory, ensuring the winning streak continued for the team.
At the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram, even with a modest target, Chittagong Kings had initially unsettled Barishal. However, the defending champions overcame the local team’s challenge and secured a six-wicket victory.
The match generated high spectator interest, as it involved both Barishal, a team with a large fan base, and Chittagong, playing on their home turf. The galleries were packed before the first innings even ended, but Chittagong failed to entertain their fans with explosive T20 cricket.
Chittagong was restricted to just 121 runs, thanks to excellent bowling from Fahim Ashraf and Ripon Mondol. Despite a shaky start in the chase, Malan’s responsible batting led Barishal to victory with 19 balls remaining.
This was Barishal’s fifth win in seven matches, while Chittagong slipped to third place, having won four out of their seven matches.
Shanto Left Out Again
After failing in the first two matches, Nazmul Hossain Shanto was dropped from the lineup for the third match. He returned for the fourth match but has now been left out again. In five matches, he has scored only 56 runs, failing to reach double figures in any innings. Shanto’s spot has been taken by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain.
Chittagong’s Early Struggles in the Powerplay
Despite losing the toss and being asked to bat, Chittagong’s innings started well. In the first over, Usman Khan hit two fours and a six off Jahandad Khan’s bowling. However, things soon took a turn. In the third over, Ripon dismissed the dangerous Usman (19 off 13 balls). Chittagong also lost Graham Clark in the same over. In the following over, Fahim struck twice, removing Parvez Hossain and Haider Ali.
Fahim continued his brilliance by dismissing Shamim Hossain in the final over of the powerplay, leaving Chittagong in dire straits at 39/5, with just 56 runs on the board after six wickets.
Mithun-Sani’s Fightback
With all other established batsmen gone, Mohammad Mithun fought alone, hitting a six and a four off Jahandad Khan in the 8th over. He formed a 31-run partnership with Arafat Sani, the highest of the innings, but eventually fell to Tanvir in the 15th over, caught by Mahmudullah for 35 runs. Sani fought on, scoring a career-best 27 runs off 34 balls, but with Chittagong’s total barely crossing 120, they ended at 121/8.
Fahim and Ripon’s Dominance
Fahim and Ripon were the stars of the bowling attack, claiming three wickets each. Fahim was particularly economical, giving away just 12 runs in his four overs. Ripon cost 23 runs and took three wickets, while left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam took two wickets for just 14 runs in his four overs.
Barishal’s Early Trouble
In the chase, Barishal lost their captain Tamim Iqbal early due to a misunderstanding with Dawid Malan, and then Tamim was run out. In the next over, Tauhid Hridoy was dismissed for a duck by Syed Khaled Ahmed, who made an immediate impact on his return after missing the previous match due to a personal loss.
Barishal struggled in the powerplay, managing only 28 runs in the first six overs, having lost two wickets.
Mushfiqur’s Reverse Sweep and Mahmudullah’s Failure
Mushfiqur Rahim, playing for the first time in two weeks, failed to impress and was dismissed for 11 runs off 10 balls, attempting a reverse sweep against Sani. Mahmudullah’s attempt at a big shot was caught at long-on, dismissing him for 16 runs.
At the 10th over mark, Barishal was at 56/4, with the match still hanging in the balance.
Malan’s Leadership and Heroics
At the other end, Malan remained calm despite the wickets falling around him. After a slow start, where he scored just 18 runs off 20 balls, Malan accelerated, hitting a six and a four in the 13th and 14th overs. In the 16th over, he brought up his half-century in 36 balls. Malan ended up scoring 56* off 44 balls, with Mohammad Nabi providing great support in an unbeaten 26-run partnership.
Match Summary:
- Chittagong Kings: 121/8 in 20 overs (Mithun 35, Sani 27*, Fahim 3-12, Ripon 3-23, Tanvir 2-14)
- Fortune Barishal: 122/4 in 16.5 overs (Malan 56*, Nabi 26*, Tamim 8, Hridoy 1, Mushfiq 11, Mahmudullah 16; Khaled 2-27, Sani 1-33)
Result: Fortune Barishal won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match: Dawid Malan
