Defending champs Barishal win their BPL opener in high-scoring encounter against Rajshahi

Fortune Barishal flexed their batting strength and depth as they defeated Durbar Rajshahi in the opening match of the 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) by four wickets at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Batting first, Rajshahi put on an excellent total of 197-3 but in reply, the defending champions Barishal reached the target with 11 balls to spare. 

Chasing a daunting target of 198, Barishal found themselves in deep trouble at 61-5. However, seasoned campaigner Mahmudullah, with an unbeaten 56 off just 26 deliveries, forged two crucial partnerships to guide his team to a stunning victory with 11 balls to spare. Mahmudullah was ably supported by Pakistani all-rounders Shaheen Shah Afridi, who contributed a valuable 27, and Faheem Ashraf, who smashed an unbeaten 54 off 21 balls.

Earlier, Rajshahi, having been put into bat, posted an imposing total of 197-3 in their allotted 20 overs. Yasir Ali was the standout performer, hammering an unbeaten 94 off 47 balls, while captain Anamul Haque Bijoy made a solid 65 off 51 deliveries. The pair rescued Rajshahi after an early wobble, with openers Jishan Alam (0) and Mohammad Haris (13) falling cheaply to Kyle Mayers (2-13). Yasir and Anamul then combined for a mammoth 140-run partnership, propelling their side to a formidable score. Anamul struck four fours and five sixes, but it was Yasir's seven fours and eight sixes that lit up the innings.

In response, Barishal's high-profile batting line-up faltered under pressure from Rajshahi's bowlers, losing five wickets within the first nine overs. Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for a golden duck, while Tamim Iqbal managed just seven before falling to Taskin Ahmed. Kyle Mayers (six), Mushfiqur Rahim (13), and Towhid Hridoy (32) also departed cheaply, leaving Barishal in a precarious position.

The recovery began with a vital 51-run partnership between Mahmudullah and Shaheen Shah Afridi for the sixth wicket. Though Shaheen eventually fell to Taskin, Mahmudullah's composure under pressure shone through. He then joined forces with Faheem Ashraf, whose explosive hitting decimated the Rajshahi attack. Together, they put on an unbroken 88-run stand to seal the match, finishing at 200-6 in just 18.1 overs.

Taskin Ahmed was the pick of the Rajshahi bowlers, taking 3-31, but his efforts were overshadowed by the brilliance of Mahmudullah and Faheem, who orchestrated a remarkable turnaround for Barishal.