Fortune Barishal beat Chattogram Challengers by four wickets in first match of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) on Friday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. 

In the low-scoring affair, Chattogram batted first after winning the toss. They posted only 125 for eight, and Barishal chased it down in 18.4 overs and won the match by four wickets. 

While starting the chase, Barishal lost Najmul Hossian Shanto early, but Shykat Ali was firm, and he posted 39 off 35 balls to guide the team to a comfortable win. 

Right before the end of the match, it looked tough for Barishal, but Ziaur Rahman hit two fours and one six to seal the match in style. He remained unbeaten for 19 off 12 balls. 

For Chattogram, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz bagged four wickets conceding 16 runs in four overs, but his effort, eventually, went in vain. 

Earlier, Alzarri Joseph bagged three wickets for Barishal while Nayeem Hasan scalped two. 

Chattogram failed to have a good start as only one of their first five batters was able to reach a double-digit score— Will Jacks posted 16. 

Afif Hossain, Sabbir Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored 6, 8 and 9 respectively. 

Shamim Hossain scored 14 off 23 balls, and Naeem Islam scored 15. At one point, it was expected that Chattogram would be restricted under a hundred runs. But Benny Howell came up with some wonderful shots, and off 20 balls, he posted 41 with three fours and as many as sixes.

Barishal now need to score 122 to register a flying start to the BPL 2022. 

In other match of the day, Khulna Tigers will take on Minister Group Dhaka at Bangladesh time 6:30 p.m.

TH