Malan scripts Barishal’s win over Chattogram in BPL

Fortune Barishal consolidated its second spot in Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) point table after cruising to a six-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings in a low-scoring match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

Former England star Dawid Malan scripted the victory with 41ball-56 not out, hitting three fours and two sixes.

He led the side astutely despite an early hiccup as Barishal chased down Chittagong 120-8 by reaching 121-4 in 16.4 overs.

Chittagong which now lost two consecutive matches at their home venue staged a huge fightback initially by reducing Barishal to 32-3. Skipper and opener Tamim Iqbal was trapped run out for 8, Towhid Hridoy continued his dismal form by making just 1 and Mushfiqur Rahim was out on 11.

But Malan was unfazed by the wickets tumbling around him. Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad also couldn’t step up in the crunch moment, leaving Barishal at 53-4.

However, Malan calmly dealt the bowlers to keep the scoreboard ticking. Mohammad Nabi on the other end showed the patience required to deny Chittagong any breakthrough that might tilt the game towards them.

Nabi who hit three fours in his 21 ball-26 not out, confirmed the victory with a single.

Pacers Ripon Mondol and Fahim Ashraf scalped three wickets apiece as Fortune Barishal put them in a favourable position early in the match.

Ripon (3 for 23 runs) and Ashraf (3 for 12 runs) were ably supported by left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam who picked up 2-14.

The trio’s combined effort made Chittagong hapless once they were put into bat first. The rot began with Pakistan recruit Usman Khan, who started with bang but couldn’t continue the carnage.  Before being dismissed by Ripon, he made 19 off 13.

Graham Clark and Parvez Hossain Emon, the two inform players were removed in single digit figure and the rest of the batting line up faltered around them.

It was captain Mohammad Mithun who scored 34 ball-35 to stop the rut before Arafat Sunny helped the side propel past 100. Sunny was not out on 27.

It was Barishal’s fifth win in seventh match while Chittagong experienced third defeat, meaning they had won four in seven matches so far. (BSS)