Chittagong Kings ended Fortune Barishal's impressive six-match winning streak with a commanding victory by 24 runs during the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on February 1, 2025. The win not only marked the Kings' triumphant performance but also guaranteed them a top-two finish for the playoffs, underlining their rise as serious contenders.
The match featured explosive batting displays, particularly from Chittagong’s opener Parvez Hossain Emon, who launched the innings with awe-inspiring vigor. Emon smashed 75 runs off just 41 balls, bringing down eight sixes and effectively dominating Fortune Barishal's bowlers. He formed significant partnerships, first scoring 58 runs alongside partner Khawaja Nafay, and then building 70 runs with Graham Clark, setting the Kings on course for a formidable total.
Despite the dismissal of Emon, who was out bowled by Ebadot Hossain after launching his eighth six, Chittagong's momentum continued as the middle order stepped up. Captain Mohammad Mithun failed to capitalize on the batting conditions, but Haider Ali and Shamim Hossain lit up the final overs with blistering cameos. Haider accelerated with 42 runs off 23 balls, peppered with boundaries, and Shamim finished the innings strongly with 30 runs off just 12 deliveries. This firepower propelled the Kings to finalize their innings at 206-4.
Fortune Barishal, needing 207 to win, faced immediate turmoil. With only nine runs on the board, they lost their opener Tamim Iqbal, bowled out by Khaled Ahmed, followed swiftly by Towhid Hridoy’s dismissal, caught by Al Islam off Binura Fernando’s delivery. Dawid Malan, batting at number three, emerged as the lone fighter for Barishal, crafting a brave counterattack with 67 runs from just 34 balls, which included five boundaries and six sixes.
While Malan's efforts showed promise, the Kings’ bowlers held their nerves. Binura Fernando delivered a stellar performance, claiming two wickets for only 18 runs across four overs. Aliss Al Islam also contributed, taking two pivotal wickets and maintaining pressure on the Barishal chase. Despite Mahmudullah's impactful 41 runs, Barishal could only muster 182 runs, falling short of their target.
The match showcased not only individual brilliance from players like Emon and Malan but also emphasized the cohesive teamwork of the Chittagong Kings. Their ability to rise when it mattered the most, especially against the backdrop of Barishal's strong run, speaks volumes about their readiness for the playoff challenges ahead.
This victory serves as not just a moment of glory for the Kings, but as a significant statement of intent as they head toward the playoffs. Ending Barishal's streak means Chittagong has successfully positioned themselves as one of the leading teams as the tournament progresses.