MIRPUR: Pakistan stars Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf delivered standout performances to guide defending champions Fortune Barishal to a thrilling win over Durbar Rajshahi in the opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 season.
After being asked to bat first, Rajshahi endured early setback with Kyle Mayers dismissing Jishan Alam for a duck in the opening over.
Mohammad Haris followed soon after contributing just 13 runs as the team found itself at 25/2 in 3.1 overs.
The innings stabilized thanks to skipper Anamul Haque and Yasir Ali, who forged a formidable 140-run partnership for the third wicket.
Haque's composed 65 off 51 balls laid a solid foundation before his dismissal at 165/3 in the 18th over.
Yasir Ali then took center stage with a scintillating unbeaten 94 off 47 balls, featuring seven fours and eight towering sixes, powering Rajshahi to an imposing 197/3 in their 20 overs.
Barishal’s bowling effort was led by Kyle Mayers (2/13), while Faheem Ashraf chipped in with a wicket. However, debutant Shaheen Afridi went wicketless in his four-over spell.
In reply, Barishal's chase began on a shaky note.
Najmul Hossain Shanto fell on the first ball of the innings, and skipper Tamim Iqbal followed soon after for just seven runs.
A flurry of wickets, including key players like Kyle Mayers (6), Mushfiqur Rahim (13), and Towhid Hridoy (32), left Barishal struggling at 61/5 in 8.1 overs.
Amid the turmoil, Mahmudullah and Shaheen Afridi staged a crucial 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Shaheen contributed a quickfire 27 off 17 balls before his dismissal at 112/6 in 12.2 overs.
The game turned dramatically as Faheem Ashraf joined Mahmudullah to orchestrate an 88-run unbeaten stand, steering Barishal to victory.
Mahmudullah's composed 56 off 26 balls, coupled with Faheem’s explosive 54 off 21 deliveries, featuring seven sixes, ensured a successful chase with 200/6 in just 18.1 overs.
Taskin Ahmed led Rajshahi's bowling effort with figures of 3/36, while Hasan Murad (2/31) and Jishan Alam (1/21) offered support.
However, their efforts were overshadowed by Barishal's batting heroics.
- Shaheen Afridi