Fortune Barishal claimed their second consecutive Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) title by defeating Chittagong Kings by three wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on February 7, 2025. Led by their experienced captain Tamim Iqbal, Barishal's victory sealed their dominance over the tournament, showcasing resilience and skill throughout the final.
Chittagong Kings set the stage for the match with a strong opening partnership of 121 runs between Khawaja Nafay and Parvez Hossain Emon. Batting first after losing the toss, the Kings secured their foundation, with Nafay contributing significantly to their total of 194 runs with 66 off 44 balls. The pair's explosive start resulted in 57 runs scored during the powerplay, allowing them to reach their first hundred runs remarkably quickly.
Following Nafay's dismissal by Fortune Barishal’s Ebadot Hossain, Emon took center stage, scoring 78 not out off 49 deliveries, punctuated by four sixes and six boundaries. Graham Clark added to the run count, scoring 44 from just 23 balls. Despite their efforts, the Kings could not surpass the 200-run mark, finishing on 194 for three. It was the highest opening partnership recorded in BPL history for the final and marked the sixth highest opening partnership overall in recognized T20 finals.
Barishal’s chase began under pressure, needing to counter the Kings' solid total. Right from the start, Tamim Iqbal made his intentions clear with rapid scoring, smashing 54 runs from just 29 balls. His aggressive batting style set up Barishal's chase, raising hopes among fans. Unfortunately for Barishal, Iqbal's dismissal triggered what seemed to be potential trouble as the Kings began to pull back through tight bowling.
Shoriful Islam played a significant role for Chittagong, claiming wickets of both Iqbal and Dawid Malan during the ninth over, which brought the score to 78 for two. Despite these setbacks, Kyle Mayers steadied Barishal's innings. Coming to bat at number four, he launched three boundaries and three sixes, scoring 46 off just 28 balls, which included heavy-hitting during the chases’ tense moments.
With the match hanging delicately, it was Rishad Hossain who stepped up at the closing stages, hitting 18 runs off just six balls to guide Barishal past the target with just one ball to spare.
The final not only showcased individual brilliance but also strategic gameplay. Despite conceding runs, Mohammad Ali's bowling proved pivotal for Barishal, demonstrating control, especially during the death overs, as he returned figures of 1 for 21.
Barishal's victory was celebrated fervently by their supporters, as it marked their second BPL title. "This victory is not just ours as players, but it belongs to every single supporter who believed in us," Tamim Iqbal shared post-match, emphasizing the unity within the squad and their commitment to bringing home the trophy.
The BPL final proved to be not just about the results, but also about the milestones achieved throughout the tournament. The achievement of the highest established opening partnership along with Barishal's solid comeback to chase down the total added festivity to the event.
This year's BPL may also ignite aspiration among upcoming players as they watch teams like Fortune Barishal and Chittagong Kings set examples of excellence, on and off the field. The format remains as engaging as ever, promising extraordinary performances as teams gear up for next season's competition.