Narine stars as Comilla stun Barishal to clinch BPL title

Comilla Victorians grabbed the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League trophy as they beat Fortune Barishal by a single run in a thrilling final of the franchise-based T20 tournament played at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur tonight.

Defending ten runs off the last over and three off the last ball, Comilla's pacer Shohidul Islam pulled off a successful one as Barishal were restricted at 150 for eight after 20 overs while trying to chase 152 runs. 

Barishal had the upperhand in the majority of the chase as they rode on a brilliant 34-ball 58-run knock from Shykat Ali, striking eleven fours and a six, while Chris Gayle anchored the innings with 33 runs off 31 balls. The two added 74 for the second wicket but quick wickets in the middle meant that Shakib Al Hasan's side ended up falling short of the target in the nail-biter finale. Shakib missed out on the ocassion as the ace player was run out on just seven. 

Barishal’s Shykat Ali made his presence felt, displaying a great array of proper cricketing shots. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Sunil Narine gave away just two runs and picked up a wicket in the 18th over, which was cruicial for Comilla in clinching the victory. Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam also bagged two while Mustafizur Rahman scalped one for the Victorians. 

Earlier, despite opener Narine's blistering fifty, Comilla was unable to capitalise on the flying start and eventually managed to post a half-decent 151 for 9 in 20 overs after electing to bat.

Narine continued from where he left off in the second Qualifier as the lefty struck four sixes and two fours in the first two overs of the innings, piling 36 runs for his side. Liton Das, however, perished after scoring four at the bowling of Shakib Al Hasan but Narine kept the tempo on to reach his fifty off just 21 deliveries. 

The West Indian was eventually dismissed by Mehedi Hasan Rana after a 23-ball 57, laced with five maximums and five fours but the foundation had been laid for Comilla, who appeared comfortably placed at 73 for 2 after the Power-play.

A section of the crowd of spectators, containing fans of both teams, seen at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium. File Photo: Firoz Ahmed

However, Barishal bounced back with conviction, which resulted in a flurry of wickets as Comilla slumped to 65 for six after 10.3 overs. Comilla, in the end, were able to surpass the 150 mark as Moeen Ali and Abu Hider Rony stitched a 54-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Moeen was run out after scoring 38 off 32 balls while Rony was dismissed on 19. 

Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Shafiqul Islam bagged two wickets each while Shakib, Dwayne Bravo and Rana scalped one apiece for Barishal. 

Sakib Ummey Al Hasan (C), wife of Shakib Al Hasan, watching the game from the stands. Photo: Firoz Ahmed