ChIttagong Kings overpower Barishal to seal top-two finish
With a place in the playoffs already confirmed, Chittagong were focused on securing a top-two finish.
Chittagong Kings secured a crucial 24-run victory over Fortune Barishal in the final league match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on 1 February, ensuring a top-two finish and setting up a first qualifier clash against the same opponent.
With a place in the playoffs already confirmed, Chittagong were focused on securing a top-two finish. Facing league leaders and defending champions Fortune Barishal, Tamim Iqbal's side knew they were up against tough opposition.
However, they showed no signs of pressure, dominating with both bat and ball to hand Barishal their third defeat of the season.
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Barishal finished at the top of the table with 18 points from nine wins in 12 matches, while Chittagong secured the second spot with 16 points from eight victories.
Rangpur Riders also had 16 points but trailed Chittagong on net run rate. Khulna Tigers claimed the fourth and final playoff spot.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, almost all of Chittagong's batters made valuable contributions. Parvez Hossain Emon led the way with a blistering half-century, while Graham Clark, Haider Ali, and Shamim Hossain Patwary chipped in with quick runs.
Their efforts powered Chittagong to a commanding total of 206 for 4.
In response, Barishal fell short despite David Malan's explosive half-century and an unbeaten fight from Mahmudullah. Their innings ended at 182 for 7, with early setbacks proving costly.
Barishal's chase got off to a shaky start as both Tamim Iqbal and Towhid Hridoy departed within the first 13 runs. Malan and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings with a 53-run partnership before Mushfiqur fell for 24 off 22 balls.
Malan then combined with Mahmudullah for a 56-run stand off 26 balls, playing a dominant role by smashing 67 runs off just 34 deliveries, including five fours and six sixes.
Mahmudullah continued to fight, remaining unbeaten on 41 off 26 balls with two fours and two sixes, while James Fuller added 18 off 11 balls.
However, their efforts weren't enough. Binura Fernando and Aliss Al Islam took two wickets each for Chittagong, while Khaled Ahmed and Arafat Sunny picked up one apiece.
Earlier, Chittagong's innings was powered by Parvez Hossain Emon's scintillating 75 off 41 balls, featuring one four and eight sixes—his best knock of the tournament. Opener Khawaja Nafay contributed 22, while Graham Clark added 26 off 21 balls.
Haider Ali accelerated the scoring with a 23-ball 42, including three fours and three sixes, and Shamim Hossain remained unbeaten on 30 off just 12 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes.
For Barishal, Taijul Islam took two wickets, while Ebadot Hossain and Mohammad Nabi picked up one each.
