BPL Final: The Dilemma for Barishal with Jimmy Neesham and Mohammad Nabi

As the current BPL champions, Fortune Barishal is eyeing back-to-back titles. After defeating Chattogram Kings in the first qualifier, they are set to face the same opponent in the final. The franchise has brought in New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham just in time for the final. However, this poses a problem as to how to accommodate Neesham in the starting XI, especially when it means leaving Mohammad Nabi out. Considering the performances of the other foreign players, Nabi’s exclusion seems more likely.

Neesham’s arrival is purely for the final, as he wasn’t part of the initial BPL tournament. Kyle Mayers, who played in the beginning, returned to Barishal before the playoffs. David Malan, who has been with the team throughout the tournament, could be another key player for Barishal in the big match. Mohammad Ali, the Pakistani pacer, also impressed with his bowling performance in the qualifier, claiming 5 wickets for just 24 runs.

If Barishal opts to include these four players—Neesham, Mayers, Malan, and Ali—then Mohammad Nabi, who has played 10 matches for Barishal this season, is likely to miss out. Nabi's performances this season have not been particularly impactful. He has scored just 63 runs in 10 matches and taken 8 wickets with the ball.

As an all-rounder, Neesham’s pace bowling and batting will likely earn him a place in the starting lineup, replacing the spin-bowling all-rounder Nabi. Nabi’s lackluster performances with the bat, combined with Neesham's recent contributions in T20s, make him the preferred choice. Although Neesham hasn’t had an outstanding batting record in the ongoing BPL, with no half-centuries, he has taken 7 wickets with the ball.

Last season, Neesham played for Rangpur in the BPL, where he scored an impressive 97-run innings in Mirpur. In his BPL debut, Neesham made an immediate impact with a quick-fire 51 runs off 26 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes. Barishal hopes to capitalize on his experience and all-round skills in the final.