Opener Parvez Hossain Emon scored a 41-ball 75 as Chittagong Kings beat Fortune Barishal by 24 runs in the last match of the league stage of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 in Mirpur on Saturday (Feb 1), setting up the first qualifier against the same opponent Monday (Feb 3). The result also leaves Rangpur Riders to third position (16 points) on the table and will face the eliminator game against Khulna Tigers, also on Monday.
Defending a huge total of 206-4, Chittagong removed both Barishal openers Tamim Iqbal (0) and Towhid Hridoy (nine) within the Powerplay before a partnership of 53 runs between Dawid Malan and Mushfiqur Rahim brought some resistance in their innings.
However, the asking rate went high during the stand and Mushfiqur had to lose his wicket to Aliss Al Islam after making 22-ball 24 while trying to accelerate the innings.
Malan struck five fours and six sixes for his 34-ball 67 while Mahmudullah made an unbeaten 41 off 26 balls but it hardly could match the required run rate as they had to settle for a score of 182-7 in their stipulated overs.
Chittagong's victory also ended Barishal's six-match winning streak in the tournament. However, Barishal finished on top with 18 points.
Earlier, Emon showed signs of returning to form as he smashed nine sixes and a four during his 75-run knock while Haider Ali (42 off 33 balls not out) and Shamim Hossain (30 off 12 balls not out) hit cameos to propel Chittagong a colossal total after being sent into bat first.
