BPL 2025: Fortune Barishal Beat Durbar Rajshahi in Season Opener, Mahmudullah, Faheem Ashraf Star in Comeback Win

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In a thrilling season opener of the BPL 2025, defending champions Fortune Barishal pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat Durbar Rajshahi at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Chasing a daunting target of 198, Barishal appeared to be on the ropes at 61-5, but a late surge from Mahmudullah and Faheem Ashraf powered them to a thrilling four-wicket victory in just 18.1 overs.

The match began with a sensational performance by Barishal's Kyle Mayers, who struck early to remove both of Rajshahi's openers in the first two overs. Mohammad Haris was dismissed for just 13, and Jishan Alam was sent back for a duck, leaving Rajshahi in deep trouble at 25-2. The West Indian seamer's early breakthroughs set the tone, as Rajshahi ended the powerplay at a sluggish 40-2.

However, Rajshahi captain Anamul Haque led a fierce recovery, partnering with Yasir Ali for a scintillating 140-run stand. Haque unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes, scoring 65 off 51 balls, before falling to Faheem Ashraf. Yasir Ali continued to dominate, reaching a blistering 94* off 47 balls, guiding Rajshahi to a competitive 197-3 in their allotted 20 overs.

Barishal's chase started disastrously as they lost key wickets early. An experimental move by Rajshahi's captain saw Jishan Alam strike with the new ball, dismissing Barishal's opener Najmul Hossain Shanto for a duck. Taskin Ahmed followed up with quick wickets of Tamim Iqbal and Kyle Mayers, while Hasan Murad's double-strike reduced Barishal to a precarious 61-5.

With the situation looking grim, veteran Mahmudullah took charge, and in partnership with Faheem Ashraf, turned the game on its head. The duo put on a staggering 88 runs in just 35 balls, bringing Barishal back into contention. Mahmudullah played a composed knock, scoring 56* from 26 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes. Ashraf's explosive 54* off 21 balls, featuring seven sixes, sealed the win for Barishal.

The dramatic finish showcased Barishal's resilience and the match-changing contributions of Mahmudullah and Faheem Ashraf, ensuring a thrilling start to the BPL 2024-25 season.