Fortune Barishal Win Final Match of Chattogram Phase, Defeat Khulna Tigers by 7 Runs

Fortune Barishal wrapped up their Chattogram phase campaign with a thrilling 7-run victory over Khulna Tigers in their final match. The dramatic conclusion in the last over sealed Khulna's defeat, with Mohammad Naim’s knock of 77 runs from 6 sixes and 4 fours being halted just as the victory seemed within reach for Khulna. Barishal, with 6 wins from 8 matches, moved up to second place in the points table.

Batting first after losing the toss, Barishal had a rough start. Captain Tamim Iqbal and number three batter David Malan both fell cheaply, with Malan dismissed for a golden duck. Khulna Tigers’ captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz put Barishal in early trouble with his brilliant bowling.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s unfortunate run-out for 5 runs left Barishal in further disarray. However, opener Tawheed Hridoy found a reliable partner in Mahmudullah Riyad. The duo accelerated the scoring, but just as the partnership was gaining momentum, Miraz struck again, sending Hridoy back for 36 runs off 30 balls.

The foreign recruits of Barishal, Mohammad Nabi and Fahim Ashraf, failed to provide the much-needed stability. Nabi and Ashraf fell for 1 and 9 runs respectively. With the top and middle order struggling, Mahmudullah Riyad took charge and kept the scoreboard ticking.

Mahmudullah's composed batting saw him reach a well-made fifty off 44 balls. However, his innings came to an end when he was dismissed off a delivery from Ziaur Rahman. Despite Mahmudullah’s departure with two overs remaining, Rishad Hossain played a blistering cameo, scoring 39 runs off just 19 balls, taking Barishal to a total of 167 runs.

In response, Khulna Tigers lost the wicket of Imrul Kayes early on. Miraz, who had earlier bowled well, joined forces with Mohammad Naim Sheikh, and together they built a solid 59-run partnership. The breakthrough came from Mohammad Nabi, who dismissed Miraz, providing Barishal with a key breakthrough.

Naim Sheikh fought valiantly till the end, but his efforts weren’t enough to secure victory for Khulna. Despite a valiant knock, Khulna could not chase down the target, finishing just 7 runs short of Barishal’s total.