Fletcher trumps Du Plessis ton

Chattogram Challengers and Khulna Tigers secured the last two playoff spots after winning their final group stage games against Sylhet Sunrisers and Comilla Victorians respectively in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League yesterday.

With five wins in 10 matches, Chattogram finished the group stage with 10 points and qualified as the third team for the playoffs after beating Sylhet by four wickets in the first encounter of the day.

Meanwhile, South African batsman Faf du Plessis scored a 54-ball 101, yet ended on the losing side. Riding on Du Plessis' ton, Comilla posted 182 for five but it went in vain, thanks to an 182-run opening stand between Andre Fletcher (101*) and Mahedi Hasan (74). The record partnership of this edition saw Khulna cruise to a nine-wicket victory.

Barishal, with 15 points from 10 games, finished top of the points table while Comilla, with 13 points, finished in second position.

With five wins in 10 games, Khulna finished with 10 points and qualified as the fourth team for the playoff stage while Minister Dhaka, with nine points, crashed out of the top-four contention. Sylhet finished the tournament at the bottom of the table with only three points.

Khulna will take on Chattogram in the Eliminator tomorrow, the first fixture of the day, while the top two teams -- Comilla Victorians and Fortune Barishal -- will lock horns in the First Qualifier in the night game.

The losing team from the First Qualifier will get a second chance as they will take on the winners of the Eliminator between Khulna and Chattogram in the Second Qualifier scheduled for February 16.

The final of the tournament will take place on February 18.