Cricket Highlights, Dec 30: Bangladesh Premier League 2024 (1st Match) – Durbar Rajshahi vs Fortune Barishal

RAJ vs BRSAL (1st Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling 1st match of the Bangladesh Premier League 2024, held in Mirpur on December 30, where RAJ faced off against BRSAL in a high-octane encounter. Durbar Rajshahi flexed their batting muscles, amassing an impressive 197/3 to set a daunting chase. However, Fortune Barishal chased it down with remarkable determination, reaching 200/6 in just 18.1 overs to clinch a spectacular victory.
Batting first, Durbar Rajshahi put up a strong total of 197/3 in their 20 overs, courtesy of a remarkable innings by Yasir Ali, who stole the show with an unbeaten 94 off just 47 balls. Ali displayed a masterclass in power-hitting, smashing 7 fours and 8 sixes at a strike rate of 200. His innings served as the backbone of the effort, driving the team to a formidable total.

The innings started shakily for RAJ, losing Jishan Alam and Mohammad Haris early to Kyle Mayers, leaving the team at 25/2 in 3.1 overs. However, Captain Anamul Haque steadied the ship with a well-crafted 65 off 51 balls, including 4 fours and 5 sixes. Haque’s partnership with Yasir Ali was the backbone of the innings, adding 140 runs for the third wicket. The late flourish by Ryan Burl, who scored a quickfire 9 off 8 balls, ensured a solid finish for Rajshahi.

Barishal’s bowlers had a mixed outing, with Kyle Mayers being the standout performer, taking 2/13 in his three overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi was economical, conceding just 33 runs in his four overs, but the rest of the bowling attack, especially Ripon Mondol and Tanvir Islam, struggled to contain the batters, conceding runs at over 11 runs per over.
Chasing 198, BRSAL stumbled early, losing Najmul Hossain Shanto on the very first ball, trapped lbw by Jishan Alam. The top order faltered further as Tamim Iqbal (7), Kyle Mayers (6), and Mushfiqur Rahim (13) failed to make significant contributions, leaving Barishal in trouble at 61/5 in the 9th over. Hasan Murad and Taskin Ahmed bowled brilliantly during this period, claiming crucial wickets.

The game took a dramatic turn with an explosive counterattack led by Mahmudullah and Faheem Ashraf. Mahmudullah showcased his experience and composure, smashing 56 runs off just 26 balls, including 5 fours and 4 sixes. At the other end, Faheem Ashraf played a breathtaking knock of 54 off 21 balls, blasting 7 sixes and 1 four at a strike rate of 257.14. The pair shared an unbroken 88-run partnership, with Shaheen Afridi’s cameo of 27 off 17 balls earlier providing additional momentum.

Taskin Ahmed was the pick of Rajshahi’s bowlers, taking 3/31 in his four overs, while Hasan Murad supported well with 2/42. However, the remaining bowlers, particularly Lahiru Samarakoon, leaked runs heavily, conceding 64 runs in his four overs. In the end, Barishal achieved the target in just 18.1 overs, finishing at 200/6. This match was a thrilling spectacle, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in the BPL.

Durbar Rajshahi vs Fortune Barishal Scoreboard

Durbar Rajshahi– 197/3

Fortune Barishal– 200/6(18.1/20)

Result – Barishal won by 4 wickets (with 11 balls remaining)

Player of the Match – Mahmudullah

RAJ vs BRSAL Playing XI

Durbar Rajshahi

Mohammad Haris, Jishan Alam, Anamul Haque(C), Yasir Ali, Ryan Burl, Akbar Ali(WK), SM Meherob, Lahiru Samarakoon, Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Murad

Fortune Barishal

Najmul Hossain Shanto, Tamim Iqbal(C), Towhid Hridoy, Kyle Mayers, Mushfiqur Rahim(WK), Mahmudullah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nabi, Tanvir Islam, Ripon Mondol

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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