Iftikhar, Zadran play crucial roles in Barishal's huge win

January 14, 2023 00:00:00

(Left to right) Shah Moinuddin Hasan, General Manager, Ispahani Tea Limited, Abul Bashar Mohammed Fokhruzzaman, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram and President of Chattogram District Sports Association, AJM Nasir Uddin, Director, BCB & Chairman, Disciplinary Committee of BCB, Fahim Sinha, Director, BCB and Chairman, Logistics and Protocol Committee of BCB and Iftikhar Ahmed (Player of the Match) of Fortune Barishal — BCB

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 13 (BSS): Pakistan recruit Iftikhar Ahmed blasted a 26 ball-57 not out as Fortune Barishal cruised to a 26-run win over Chattogram Challengers in the first match of the Chattogram phase of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Friday at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Thanks to Iftikhar's knock which included three fours and five sixes, Barishal compiled a hefty 202-7, which was too much for the hosts as they were restricted to 176-4 eventually.

Ibrahim Zadran was the notable scorer for Barishal with 33 ball-48, featuring four fours and three sixes. Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy made 30 while senior batter Mahmudullah Riyad added 25.

However, Mehidy Hasan Miraz who was sent to open the innings gave the side a flying start, hammering 12 ball-24, studded with three fours and six. But one shot too many cost his wicket as left-arm spinner Taijul Islam gave the side a breakthrough.

Pacer Mrittunjoy Chowdhury got rid of captain Shakib Al Hasan (8) and shortly after that Sri Lanka recruit Vijayakanth Viyaskanth sent back Bijoy. Even though the run rate was superb, Barishal were in troublesome position.

A partnership was needed for Barishal for a final flourish and they got it through Ibrahim Zadran and Mahmudullah who combined for 49-run for the fourth wicket stand.

Both of the batters however were removed in quick succession but the platform was nicely set for Iftikhar for final push and he did it with ultra-aggressive way. Iftikhar ran riot over the Chattogram bowlers to such extent that Barishal comfortably went past 200 runs mark, which looked unlikely.

Pacer Abu Jayed Rahi was the most successful bowler for Chattogram with 3-49 in four overs.

Chattogram, however, also got off to a quick start with centurion of the previous match Usman Khan looking to start from where he left in the last match. He sent the Barishal bowlers in receiving and his fellow opener Max O'Dowd also looked comfortable in the crease.

Pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi broke through with the wicket of Usman after he smashed 36 off 19 with three fours and as many sixes. Shakib then took the scalp of Max O'Dowd for a run-a-ball-29 in a major setback.

Barishal then slowly took the control of the game, strangling Chattogram innings through a disciplined bowling. Later, Ziaur Rahman smacked a 25 ball-47 not out with three fours and four sixes but that was not enough to save the team.