A spectacular fifty by Dawid Malan, combined with valuable contributions from other batters, led Fortune Barishal to a solid win against Khulna Tigers in a challenging run chase.
Blending elegance and aggression seamlessly is no easy feat, but Dawid Malan achieved just that. After scoring 0 and 9 in his previous two matches, the English batter bounced back with a stellar innings. His fifty, supported by consistent contributions from other players, helped Barishal overcome the target.
With this victory, Fortune Barishal secured their fifth consecutive win in the BPL, defeating Khulna Tigers by five wickets.
Malan’s Masterclass and Key Contributions
Khulna Tigers set a target of 188 runs in 20 overs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Barishal chased it down with five balls to spare.
Malan showcased incredible batting prowess, scoring 63 runs off 37 balls, laced with boundaries and sixes. Most Barishal batters chipped in, keeping the chase alive. Barishal’s win puts them level with Rangpur Riders with eight wins each from 10 matches, but Rangpur leads in net run rate. Both teams will clash in the first qualifier.
Meanwhile, Khulna Tigers’ sixth loss in 10 matches has made their playoff chances slimmer.
Hridoy’s Failure and a Resilient Partnership
Barishal’s chase got off to a rocky start as Towhid Hridoy fell cheaply again, managing only 11 runs.
However, Malan’s brilliance steadied the ship. Alongside Tamim Iqbal, he stitched together a vital partnership, attacking both pace and spin. Malan’s exquisite timing and Tamim’s cautious approach added 91 runs off 56 balls, where Malan contributed 61.
Tamim was eventually dismissed for 27 runs off 25 balls, failing to build on his start.
Afif’s Spark and Middle-Order Stability
Afif Hossain dismissed Tamim with a stunning boundary catch and brought Khulna back into the game by removing Malan. However, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad anchored Barishal with a quick partnership.
Mushfiqur’s sixes and Mahmudullah’s aggressive strikes, including two consecutive sixes off Mohammad Nawaz, brought Barishal closer to the target. Both, however, fell before finishing the job, leaving it to the lower order.
Fahim and Nabi Seal the Win
Despite losing Mushfiqur and Mahmudullah in quick succession, Fahim Ashraf and Mohammad Nabi stepped up. Fahim hit an unbeaten 18 off six balls, while Nabi smashed 15 off 10. Their late fireworks, including a massive six by Nabi, sealed the victory for Barishal.
Khulna’s Batting Highlights
Khulna batted first after losing the toss. Despite a slow start, Mehidy Hasan Miraz unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, scoring 29 off 18 balls. Naeem Sheikh’s quickfire 51 off 26 and Alex Ross’s innovative strokes added crucial runs.
Afif Hossain chipped in with 32 runs off 27 balls, and Mahidul Islam Ankon played a blazing unbeaten knock of 27 off 12 deliveries, ensuring Khulna posted a competitive 187/5.
However, their bowling struggled against Barishal’s depth and composure.
Match Summary:
- Khulna Tigers: 187/5 in 20 overs (Naeem 51, Miraz 29, Afif 32, Mahidul 27*; Nabi 1/22, Fuller 1/32)
- Fortune Barishal: 188/5 in 19.1 overs (Malan 63, Tamim 27, Mushfiqur 24, Mahmudullah 24, Fahim 18*; Hossain 2/35, Miraz 0/29)
Result: Fortune Barishal won by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Dawid Malan.
