Rangpur Riders dominate as Fortune Barishal collapse in one-sided encounter

In Thursday's BPL match at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Rangpur Riders cruised to an 8-wicket win over last season's champions and tournament favorites, Fortune Barishal.

The clash of the two strongest teams in the tournament, both immensely popular among fans, promised an electrifying contest. The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, but the on-field action failed to live up to the anticipation.

Fortune Barishal, struggling with their batting, couldn't muster a competitive score, paving the way for Rangpur Riders to secure a commanding victory and claim their third consecutive win.

After an impressive chase of 198 runs in their previous match, Barishal collapsed for a mere 124 this time. Rangpur comfortably chased the target with 30 balls to spare.

Tamim Iqbal looked to roll back the years with some fiery strokes, including a pull shot for four and a six over extra cover against Kamrul Islam Rabbi. He followed it with three consecutive boundaries off Sheikh Mehedi Hasan. However, the experienced opener met his match in the pace and precision of Nahid Rana.

By the end of the fifth over, Tamim had amassed 28 runs off 14 balls, featuring five fours and a six. In the sixth over, he failed to score off three consecutive deliveries from Nahid before stepping out in search of a solution. Instead, it became his downfall, as Nahid bowled him with a searing delivery.

Despite scoring 25 runs in the first three overs, Barishal lost their first wicket in the fourth, when Najmul Hossain Shanto (9 off 10) fell to a slog against Sheikh Mehedi. Pakistan's Akif Javed, playing against his former team, delivered an impactful first over, dismissing Towhid Hridoy for just 4 runs.

Barishal managed 47 runs during the powerplay but lost three wickets in the process. Mushfiqur Rahim and Kyle Mayers attempted to rebuild the innings, adding 31 runs. Mayers, initially slow with 3 runs from 11 balls, struck consecutive four and six off Mehedi Hasan. However, Mushfiq's departure (15) off Khushdil Shah halted the promising partnership.

Post-Mushfiqur's dismissal, Barishal couldn't establish any substantial partnerships. Kyle Mayers and Fahim Ashraf, the hero of their previous game, fell in the same over to Iftikhar Ahmed. Mahmudullah, after beginning with a boundary, couldn't withstand Nahid Rana's pace and was soon dismissed.

Khushdil Shah ensured a swift end to the tail by removing Shaheen Shah Afridi and Tanvir Islam in quick succession. Barishal lost six wickets within a span of just 32 runs.

In the latter stages, Mohammad Nabi added a few quick runs with two boundaries and a six in Nahid Rana's over. However, his run-out for 21 (off 19 balls) while attempting to capitalize on a free hit marked the end of Barishal's innings.

Khushdil Shah, who had previously claimed two wickets each in his last two matches, was once again the standout bowler with three wickets, making him the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Though Nahid's figures slightly dipped after conceding 16 runs in his final over, his two wickets were crucial in setting the tone for the match.

Ultimately, Rangpur Riders demonstrated their dominance, while Fortune Barishal's batting woes raised questions about their campaign ahead.