Barisal closer to Rangpur, Khulna's path to the playoffs is difficult!

Rangpur Riders were on top with 8 consecutive wins, but after their recent two matches they have tasted defeat. This opportunity has brought Fortune Barisal very close to the top spot. They have earned 16 points, equal to Rangpur, by defeating Khulna by 5 wickets. However, they are slightly behind in run rate.

Khulna batted first at the Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium on Monday and scored 187 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs. In reply, Barisal secured the victory with 5 balls and 5 wickets in hand.

David Malan played a big role in ensuring Barisal's victory. He played a whirlwind innings of 63 runs off 37 balls, which included 8 fours and 3 sixes. Tamim Iqbal, the captain, scored 27 runs off 25 balls. Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim contributed with 24 runs each. Fahim Ashraf's unbeaten 18 off 6 balls and Mohammad Nabi remained unbeaten on 15 off 10 balls, giving Barisal an easy win.

Earlier, Khulna openers Mehedi Hasan Miraj and Mohammad Naim gave a solid start with 47 runs off 33 balls. However, in the last over of the power play, Barisal pacer Ebadat Hossain bowled Miraj and caused the first disaster for the team. Naim returned for 51 runs off 27 balls. When Naim returned for 99 runs, Alex Ross was also quickly out, falling victim to spinner Mohammad Naim for 20 runs off 15 balls. Later, Khulna's collection grew with a 33-run partnership from Afif and William Bosisto off 21 balls, but Mahidul Islam's 27 runs in the slog over helped the team collect 187 runs.

In Barisal's bowling, Fahim Ashraf took two wickets, James Fuller, Mohammad Naim and Ebadat Hossain took one wicket each.