Mohammad Ali's Five-Wicket Haul Puts Fortune Barishal on the Brink of the Final

In the final match of the league phase, Chittagong Kings defeated Fortune Barishal, setting up a showdown against them in the first qualifier. The winner of this match will advance directly to the final, while the losing team will have another chance to reach the final via the second qualifier. For Chittagong Kings, the challenge is clear: to beat Barishal, they need to score 150 runs in 120 balls.

Fortune Barishal’s Pakistani pacer Mohammad Ali was the standout performer, taking a sensational five-wicket haul in the 19th over, conceding just 2 runs. Ali’s spell included the crucial wicket of Shamim Hossain Patwari, who had played a brilliant knock of 79 runs.

In the 2025 BPL first qualifier, Chittagong Kings are up against Fortune Barishal. The winning team will secure a direct spot in the final, while the losing team will get another chance to fight for the title in the second qualifier. As the defending champions, Fortune Barishal now have a target of 150 runs to set up a consecutive appearance in the final.

Kyle Mayers, who had played for Barishal earlier in the tournament, made his return to the BPL after completing his stint in the ILT20. In his first over, he gave away a boundary but quickly redeemed himself by dismissing in-form Khaza Nafe. In his next over, Mayers struck again, this time removing Graham Clark for just 6 runs off 6 balls.

The first powerplay was tough for Chittagong Kings, as they lost 2 more wickets. Mohammad Mithun, the captain, was dismissed for just 1 run, and Haider Ali, who had been explosive in previous matches, failed to get going, scoring just 7 runs off 7 balls before being stumped by Ebadat Hossain.

Despite the early setbacks, Parvez Hossain Imon and Shamim Hossain Patwari tried to steady the ship. Imon kept the scoreboard ticking, and Shamim, as usual, was aggressive from the start, bringing up his fifty off just 29 balls. However, it was Rishad Hossain who gave Barishal a key breakthrough, dismissing Imon for 36 runs, breaking the 77-run partnership.

Shamim continued his brilliant form in the current BPL, often playing crucial cameos that helped Chittagong Kings post big totals. In their recent match against Fortune Barishal, Shamim contributed with an unbeaten 30 runs off 12 balls, which helped the Kings finish with 206 runs, winning the match by 24 runs.

However, today, Shamim couldn't finish the innings as he was dismissed for 79 runs off 47 balls in the 18.3rd over, with his team on 144/7.

On the other hand, Mohammad Ali bowled a match-changing spell for Fortune Barishal, taking 5 wickets for just 24 runs in 4 overs. His final over was particularly spectacular, as he claimed 4 wickets while giving away only 2 runs. Ali’s extraordinary performance brought him a well-deserved five-wicket haul, the highlight of the match.

In the end, Chittagong Kings could only manage 149 runs, losing the match by 24 runs. Fortune Barishal will now advance to the final, while Chittagong Kings will have one more chance in the second qualifier.