Dhaka, Dec 30 (V7N)- Defending champions Fortune Barishal kicked off their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title defense with a remarkable four-wicket victory over Durbar Rajshahi at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Despite early setbacks, Barishal successfully chased down a daunting target of 198, thanks to a game-changing 88-run seventh-wicket stand between veteran Mahmudullah Riyad and Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf.

Rajshahi's Power Show

Opting to bat first, Rajshahi posted an imposing 197/3, spearheaded by a scintillating unbeaten 94 off 47 balls by Yasir Ali. His explosive innings, featuring seven boundaries and eight towering sixes, was complemented by captain Anamul Haque Bijoy’s steady 65 off 51 deliveries. The pair’s 140-run third-wicket partnership laid the foundation for Rajshahi’s competitive total.

Kyle Mayers shone with the ball for Barishal, taking 2/13, including the key wickets of both Rajshahi openers.Barishal's chase began disastrously, losing opener Najmul Hossain Shanto on the very first ball, trapped LBW by Jishan Alam. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Murad capitalized on Barishal’s struggles, reducing them to 61/5 by the ninth over.

Towhid Hridoy offered brief resistance with a 32 off 23 balls, but the pressure mounted as wickets fell at regular intervals.

Mahmudullah and Ashraf's Heroics

Entering at a critical juncture, Mahmudullah Riyad turned the tide with a blistering 56 off just 26 balls, smashing five fours and four sixes. Faheem Ashraf played the perfect foil, blasting 54 not out off only 21 balls, including seven sixes, sealing the win with 11 balls to spare.The duo’s counterattack left Rajshahi bowlers reeling, overshadowing Taskin Ahmed’s valiant 3/31 spell.Earlier in the day, chaos erupted outside the stadium as fans clashed over tickets. Police intervened to disperse the crowd after they breached a gate.Barishal’s thrilling victory sets an electrifying tone for the BPL season, with Mahmudullah and Ashraf earning accolades for their match-winning performance.

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