Tamim leads Fortune Barishal to commanding win over Durbar Rajshahi

Tamim Iqbal's scintillating knock powered Fortune Barishal to an emphatic seven-wicket win over Durbar Rajshahi in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Monday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The veteran left-hander anchored the chase with an unbeaten 80 off 48 balls, helping Barishal recover from their opening defeat and secure a second win in three matches.

Rajshahi, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive 168 for four in their 20 overs.

Jishan Alam (38 off 27), captain Anamul Haque (39 off 35), and Yasir Ali (37 off 23) contributed with valuable cameos, but none managed to convert their starts into a substantial innings.

Despite getting runs from all batters, Rajshahi's inability to capitalise on key moments cost them dearly. Shahin Shah Afridi was the pick of the bowlers for Barishal, delivering a miserly spell of 2 for 20 in his four overs.

In response, Barishal's chase began shakily as wicketkeeper-batter Pritom Kumar, filling in for Najmul Hossain Shanto, fell for just three runs. Kyle Mayers (22 off 11) provided some impetus alongside Tamim, adding 41 runs for the second wicket.

However, the Caribbean all-rounder fell after a promising start, leaving Barishal at 53 for two.

Tamim, calm and composed, then forged a 40-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy before the latter was dismissed for 13.

With the chase well within reach, Tamim found an able ally in Mushfiqur Rahim. The duo took apart Rajshahi's bowling in an unbroken 76-run stand for the fourth wicket, sealing victory with 15 balls to spare.

Mushfiqur's unbeaten 34 off 24 balls complemented Tamim's masterful knock, which featured 11 boundaries and three sixes.

For Rajshahi, Mohor Sheikh was expensive but picked up two wickets in his two overs.

Jishan Alam took one for 25 in his four overs but lacked the support to contain Barishal's experienced batters.

Earlier in the match, Rajshahi's innings saw strong starts from their top and middle order but no batter crossed the 40-run mark.

Bijoy, steady but sluggish, scored 39 with five boundaries, while Yasir Rabbi's power-hitting briefly gave the innings momentum.

Jishan Alam impressed with three fours and three sixes but failed to push on after a promising start. Akbar Ali's late cameo of 15* off nine balls ensured Rajshahi reached a respectable total, though it ultimately proved insufficient.

This victory elevated Fortune Barishal to third place on the points table with four points from three matches, while Durbar Rajshahi languishes in fifth, having lost three of their four games.

Tamim's return to form will undoubtedly boost Barishal's title defense as they look to maintain their momentum in the tournament.