Pacer Khaled Ahmed’s fierce bowling performances steer Tamim Iqbal’s Fortune Barisal to winning start in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).
Held at the She-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, it was an exciting encounter when it was also a psychological quarrel between Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hassan following their outbreak against each other before the ICC ODI World Cup tournament held in India.
However, led by Nurul Hasan, Rangpur Riders having the strike first against some disciplined bowling attacks from Barishal, could manage a paltry 134 runs for nine wickets in stipulated 20 overs.
Chasing to the moderate target Barishal also struggled a bit as they had to play up to last over to win the match.
In fact Khaled’s terrific bowling was the key in restricting Rangpur for 134 for nine wickets, that Barishal overhauled with five balls to spare with scoring 138 for 5 with Mahmudullah Riyad ensuring the victory with a towering six.
Rangpur saw huge debacle at the early stage with losing three top order batters only for 15 runs.
Khaled Ahmed and Mohammed Imran started with huge attacking approach when Brendon King, Rony Talukder and Shakib Al Hassan backed to the pavilion.
None of the three top orders could score a double digit.
Khaled Ahmed, who captured four wickets strike double following Mohammed Imran making the first breakthrough with taking Brandon King for a duck.
Khaled then claimed two valuable wickets with sending Rony Talukdar and Shakib Al Hassan for five and three runs respectively.
Mohammed Imran bowled Brandon Kings when Khaled bowled Shakib Al Hassan after getting Rony Talkuder caught by Imran.
After losing Brandon King and Rony Talukdar, Shakib Al Hasan and captain Nurul Hasan tried to bounce back for Rangpur Riders but Barishal’s held their nerve and sent back both in quick succession.
In response, Fortune Barishal faced some trouble, but skillful contributions from Tamim Iqbal (35), Mushfiqur Rahim (26), and a composed innings by Shoaib Malik (17*), guided them to victory. Mahmudullah Riayd’s quick 19 off 11 balls was also important for them.