BPL Final: Fortune Barishal Opts to Stick with Winning Combination, Jimmy Neesham Left Out

With their eyes set on a third consecutive title, the current BPL champions, Fortune Barishal, have opted to bowl first in the final. However, despite flying in just to play the final, New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham hasn't made it to Barishal's best XI. The team has decided to stick with their winning combination, which has not been altered for the big match.

To include Neesham in the final lineup, one of the other foreign players, like Mohammad Nabi, would have had to make way. Considering the performances of the other overseas players, Nabi's exclusion was likely, but Fortune Barishal chose not to make that change. The same four foreign players who helped the team win the qualifier have been trusted for the final as well.

Neesham, who only came to Bangladesh to play in the final, will now watch from the bench due to the team's balance.

Kyle Mayers, who played earlier in the tournament but left before the playoffs, was brought back by Barishal. David Malan, who has been a regular fixture in the lineup from the start of the tournament, remains a key part of the team.

Mohammad Ali, the Pakistani pacer, impressed with a brilliant bowling performance in the qualifier, where he took 5 wickets for 24 runs from 4 overs.

Nabi, who has played 10 matches for Barishal this season, has not been in the best of form. He scored only 63 runs with the bat and took 8 wickets with the ball, leading to his exclusion for the final.

Last season, Neesham played for Rangpur and scored an outstanding 97 runs in Mirpur. His debut match in the previous BPL saw him score 51 runs off 26 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes.

Despite his skills, Neesham will have to wait for his turn, as Fortune Barishal sticks with the team that has delivered so far.