Fortune Barishal have become the first team to reach the final of the 2024-25 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings in the first qualifier. This marks the third time in recent years that Barishal has reached the final, having claimed the title last season. They now await the winner of the second qualifier between Khulna Tigers and Chittagong Kings, scheduled for Wednesday.
Mohammad Ali Shines with Maiden Five-Wicket Haul
Barishal's standout performer in the match was Pakistani seamer Mohammad Ali, who produced a sensational display with the ball. In his first match for Barishal this season, Ali took a career-best five-wicket haul in T20 cricket, finishing with figures of 4-0-24-5. His brilliant bowling performance saw him become the third player to take a five-wicket haul in this season's BPL, following Taskin Ahmed and Faheem Ashraf. Ali also etched his name in BPL history as the first bowler to take four wickets in a single over.
Mayers Puts Chittagong on the Back Foot
Barishal’s bowlers made an early impact, with West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers impressing in his first match back in the BPL. Mayers struck in his opening over, removing Khawaja Nafay with a perfectly pitched inswinger that rattled the batter’s stumps. He followed it up by dismissing the dangerous Graham Clark, who was caught in the covers, leaving Chittagong in early trouble at 14 for 2.
Chittagong's captain, Mohammad Mithun, and batter Haider Ali then attempted to counterattack, but both were dismissed cheaply during the powerplay. Hridoy pulled off a stunning catch in the deep to remove Mithun for just 1, while Haider was dismissed for 4, bowled out by a swinging delivery from Ebadot Hossain.
Shamim Keeps Chittagong in the Contest
With the top order falling apart, Chittagong's hopes rested on the shoulders of Shamim and Parvez, who fought valiantly to repair the innings. The duo put together a crucial 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Parvez played a supporting role, scoring a quick-fire 36 from 36 balls, while Shamim kept the pressure on Barishal with an aggressive fifty, his second of the season. Shamim's knock included nine fours and four sixes, with some trademark sweeps, cuts, and switch-hits, one of which was a stunning no-look flick off veteran offspinner Mahmudullah.
Mohammad Ali Seals Victory with Four Wickets in an Over
As the innings neared its end, Ali returned to the attack in the 19th over, where he made history by taking four wickets in a single over. Ali dismissed Khaled Ahmed with a slower ball, before removing Shamim with a well-executed switch-hit catch to Ebadot at short third. He completed his memorable over by taking the wickets of Arafat Sunny and Aliss Al Islam, finishing off Chittagong's innings at 133 for 9.
Hridoy Anchors Barishal's Chase
In reply, Barishal were never in danger as Towhid Hridoy led the chase with a composed innings. Hridoy found steady support from Tamim Iqbal, with the pair adding 55 runs for the first wicket. Tamim fell for 29, caught off Khaled's bowling, but Dawid Malan kept the scoreboard ticking with an aggressive approach, allowing Hridoy to reach his half-century off 45 balls. Hridoy’s knock, including four boundaries and a six, guided Barishal to the target in just 17.2 overs, sealing their place in the final.
With the comprehensive win, Fortune Barishal will now wait to see which team, Khulna or Chittagong, will stand in their way in the final, set for later this week.