BPL 2025: Fortune Barishal qualify for final, beat Chittagong Kings by 9 wickets in Qualifier 1

Add as a preferred source on Google

Fortune Barishal stormed into the final of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025 after a dominant nine-wicket victory over Chittagong Kings in Qualifier 1 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

Chittagong Kings, despite the defeat, will have another opportunity to reach the final when they face the winner of the Eliminator, Khulna Tigers, on February 5.

Opting to bat first, Chittagong Kings struggled against Fortune Barishal's disciplined bowling attack. Mohammad Ali was the standout performer, claiming a stunning five-wicket haul (5/24) that dismantled the Kings' batting order. Kyle Mayers provided early breakthroughs, dismissing both Khawaja Nafay (4) and Graham Clark (6) within the first three overs.

Chittagong found themselves in deep trouble at 34/4, with skipper Mohammad Mithun (1) and Haider Ali (7) failing to make an impact. Shamim Hossain, however, played a counter-attacking knock, smashing 79 off 47 balls with nine fours and four sixes. His effort lifted the Kings to 149/9 in 20 overs, but the lack of support from the rest of the batting lineup proved costly. Ebadot Hossain and Rishad Hossain chipped in with a wicket each for Barishal, ensuring the Kings never gained momentum.

Chasing a modest target of 150, Fortune Barishal's batters made light work of the Kings' bowling attack. Skipper Tamim Iqbal (29 off 26) and Towhid Hridoy put up a solid opening stand, adding 55 runs before Tamim fell to Khaled Ahmed in the ninth over.

Hridoy then took full control of the innings, anchoring the chase with a superb 82 off 56 balls, laced with nine boundaries and two sixes. Dawid Malan provided strong support, contributing an unbeaten 34 off 22 balls. The duo ensured Barishal cruised to victory in just 17.2 overs, sealing their place in the final with ease.

Chittagong Kings, despite the loss, still have a shot at the title. They will face Khulna Tigers, who defeated Rangpur Riders by nine wickets earlier in the day, in Qualifier 2 on February 5. The winner of that match will meet Fortune Barishal in the grand final on February 7. With Barishal's bowlers in top form and their batters firing, they will enter the final brimming with confidence, hoping to lift the BPL 2025 trophy.