Dhaka, Feb 06 (V7N) – The 11th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has reached its grand finale, with defending champions Fortune Barisal set to take on Chittagong Kings in a highly anticipated title-deciding match on Friday, February 7. As the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium prepares to host this thrilling encounter, all eyes are on not just the team crown but also the battle for individual excellence.

Naeem Sheikh Leads the Batting Charge

While the previous BPL editions saw batters like Shanto (516 runs in 2023) and Tamim Iqbal (492 runs last season) dominate, this year Naeem Sheikh of Khulna has stolen the spotlight. The explosive opener has amassed 511 runs at an impressive average of 43 and a strike rate of 144, including one century and three fifties. His stellar performance makes him the top contender for the Best Batsman award.

Interestingly, no batter from Barisal features in the top five run-scorers, while Graham Clarke of Chittagong has secured the fifth spot with 387 runs, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the final.

Bowlers in the Spotlight: Taskin Ahmed and Khaled Ahmed Battle for Supremacy

On the bowling front, Taskin Ahmed of Durbar Rajshahi leads the charts with 25 wickets, although his team’s early exit has cast a shadow over his otherwise brilliant season. The final, however, will feature two standout pacers:

  • Fahim Ashraf (Fortune Barisal) – 20 wickets
  • Khaled Ahmed (Chittagong Kings) – 20 wickets and 64 runs

With Khaled’s all-round contributions, he poses a serious challenge to Taskin for the Best Bowler award. A strong performance in the final could tip the scales in his favor.

Mehedi Miraz: The All-Rounder to Watch

Among the all-rounders, Khulna captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz has been a standout performer. His 355 runs with the bat and 13 wickets with the ball put him in serious contention for the Player of the Tournament award. If history is any indicator, Khulna cricketers have previously clinched this award twice in 2012 and 2016—could Miraz continue this trend?

BPL History and Expectations

In BPL’s rich history, Shakib Al Hasan has won the Man of the Tournament a record four times, while foreign players have claimed it thrice. Only twice have players from teams outside the finalists—Shakib and Mahmudullah—won this accolade. This year, however, all eyes are on the finalists and standout performers like Naeem Sheikh, Khaled Ahmed, and Mehedi Miraz.

A Decade in the Making: Chittagong Kings' Redemption or Barisal's Dynasty?

For Chittagong Kings, this final marks a return to the championship stage after more than a decade. Their last appearance in the 2013 final ended in defeat against Dhaka Gladiators. A win on Friday would not only redeem that loss but also crown them as new champions.

Meanwhile, Fortune Barisal is aiming for back-to-back titles, hoping to cement their dominance in the league. With a strong squad and winning momentum, they are poised to defend their crown.

The Stage is Set

As the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium readies itself for the showdown, fans across the country are eagerly anticipating a high-octane clash. Will Barisal continue their reign, or will Chittagong finally lift the trophy after years of waiting? Beyond the team glory, the battle for individual honors adds another layer of excitement to this BPL 2024 finale.

Stay tuned as history unfolds on February 7!

END/MSS/AJ