BPL Final: Chittagong Kings' Explosive Opening Sets Up a Strong Total

The first innings of the BPL Final provided the crowd with an exciting spectacle, as Chittagong Kings' openers created havoc with their batting. In just 11 overs, the Kings raced to 100 runs, setting a blistering pace. The opening partnership between Khaja Nafe and Parvez Hossain Imon became the second-highest opening stand in BPL history, with the duo putting on an impressive display of power hitting. Although Nafe was dismissed, Imon carried on, finding an even more dangerous partner in Graham Clark.

Despite Fortune Barishal’s strong bowling lineup, the Kings ended their innings with a total of 194/2 in 20 overs. The partnership between Nafe and Imon initially slowed down after Nafe’s departure, but Imon continued to dominate the bowling attack. Imon remained unbeaten on 78 runs, hitting 6 fours and 4 sixes off 49 balls.

Chittagong Kings’ explosive start saw them score 57 runs in the powerplay (first 6 overs), and by the 11th over, they had already reached 100 runs. The relentless hitting of both openers had Barishal’s bowlers struggling. Imon reached his half-century in just 30 balls, while Nafe, who was in a destructive mood, struck a six off Rishad to bring up his fifty off 37 balls.

Barishal finally got their breakthrough in the 12.4th over, when Ebadot Hossain dismissed Khaja Nafe, who had scored 66 runs off 44 balls, with 7 fours and 3 sixes. The opening partnership of 121 runs was broken. Nafe, who had played a crucial role in guiding his team to the final with a 57-run knock in the previous match, was dismissed just when he seemed set to take the game further away from Barishal.

However, Graham Clark and Imon kept the pressure on. Clark, playing aggressively, added another 44 runs off 23 balls before being run out, leaving with 4 balls remaining in the innings. Next up was the in-form Shamim Patowary, but he fell cheaply, caught for just 2 runs off two balls.

In the end, Chittagong Kings posted a daunting total of 194/2, with Imon finishing off the innings unbeaten, hoping to defend this total in the second innings of the final.