Fortune Barishal continued their strong run in the Bangladesh Premier League with a convincing six-wicket victory over Chattogram Challengers, comfortably chasing down a target of 155. The result underlined Barishal’s growing balance as a side, combining disciplined bowling with a composed batting effort that never allowed the chase to drift into danger.
Chattogram Challengers, asked to bat first, struggled to generate sustained momentum despite getting starts at the top. The pitch offered reasonable value for shots early on, but Barishal’s bowlers adjusted quickly, focusing on tight lines and hard lengths. Powerplay runs came, but boundaries dried up once the field spread, forcing Chattogram into a rebuilding phase rather than an acceleration.
The middle overs told the story of Chattogram’s innings. Barishal’s spinners and change bowlers controlled the tempo, conceding very few easy runs. Batters were forced to manufacture shots, and that pressure resulted in soft dismissals at regular intervals. While one or two partnerships threatened to lift the scoring rate, they were broken before real damage could be done.
Chattogram’s lower order attempted a late push, but Barishal’s death bowling remained disciplined. Yorkers and slower balls prevented a big finish, restricting the Challengers to 154 — a total that always looked slightly under par on a surface that played true under lights.
In reply, Fortune Barishal approached the chase with clarity and patience. The openers avoided unnecessary risks, prioritizing strike rotation and punishing loose deliveries. Rather than aiming for a fast start, they focused on building a base, ensuring the required run rate stayed well within control.
The first wicket did little to slow Barishal’s progress. The incoming batters maintained the same template — steady accumulation mixed with timely boundaries. Chattogram’s bowlers searched for breakthroughs but lacked the penetration to apply sustained pressure. Unlike Barishal’s earlier effort, their lines wavered, allowing Barishal to score freely through gaps.
The middle phase of the chase was decisive. Barishal’s batters targeted specific bowlers, especially when fielding restrictions eased. Smart running between the wickets further tilted the contest, turning ones into twos and forcing fielding errors. At no point did the asking rate rise to uncomfortable levels.
As the finish line approached, Barishal shifted gears without panic. A brief flurry of boundaries effectively sealed the match, ensuring there was no late drama. The target was chased down with plenty of overs to spare, reflecting the dominance of the performance.
From Chattogram’s perspective, the loss highlighted familiar issues. Their inability to accelerate in the middle overs with the bat left them short of a competitive total, while their bowling lacked control and variation during the chase. In a league as competitive as the BPL, such margins are costly.
For Fortune Barishal, this win reinforced their credentials as serious contenders. Their bowling unit showed control and adaptability, while the batting displayed maturity and depth. Comfortable chases like this build confidence, especially as the tournament moves toward its crucial stages.
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