Jan 27 (V7N) - Defending champions Fortune Barishal, led by Tamim Iqbal Khan, secured a crucial victory over Sylhet Strikers by 8 wickets in their Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match on January 28, 2025. This win all but assured their place in the playoffs.

Fortune Barishal remained in second place in the league standings with 14 points from 9 matches, while Rangpur Riders, with 16 points from 9 matches, secured their playoff berth.

Sylhet Strikers, batting first, were bowled out for a meager 116 runs in 18.1 overs. The highest scorer for the Strikers was Ahsan Bhatti of Pakistan, who made 28 runs off 29 balls. Other notable contributions came from Jaker Ali (24), Tanzim Hasan Sakib (13), and Ariful Haque (12).

Fortune Barishal’s Faheem Ashraf was the standout bowler, claiming 5 wickets for just 7 runs in 3.1 overs, earning him the Player of the Match award. James Fuller and Mohammad Nabi also contributed with two wickets each, conceding 23 and 26 runs respectively.

Chasing 117, Fortune Barishal faced little resistance, reaching 120/2 in 16 overs. The match’s turning point came through a 3rd-wicket partnership of 81 runs between Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. Tamim Iqbal, the captain, remained unbeaten on 52 runs off 51 balls, while Mushfiqur Rahim scored 42 runs off 30 balls, also remaining unbeaten.

Sumon Khan and Nahidul Islam took one wicket each for the Strikers, conceding 17 and 24 runs respectively.

This victory enhances Fortune Barishal’s playoff prospects and keeps them in contention for defending their title.

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