Shakib leads from the front as Barishal down struggling Comilla

Fortune Barishal picked their third victory on the trot in the ongoing ninth edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as the Shakib Al Hasan-led side handed a 12-run defeat to Comilla Victorians at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Saturday.

The result means that defending champions Comilla remain winless in three games and reside at the bottom of the points table, while Barishal move to second spot behind Sylhet Strikers.  

Sent in to bat, Barishal amassed 177 for six after 20 overs, courtesy of Shakib's unbeaten 45-ball 81 after coming in to bat at number four. The Barishal captain, who struck eight boundaries and four maximum, was well supported by two quick 20-plus knocks from Chaturanga de Silva and Ibrahim Zadran.

Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam was the pick of the bowlers with a four-fer for Comilla, who faced a setback as Mustafizur Rahman could only bowl one over before the ace pacer suffered a minor injury.

In reply, Comilla began their chase cautiously, with Liton Das and Pakistan's Mohammad Rizwan stitching 42 runs for the opening stand. Following Rizwan's dismissal inside the sixth over, Imrun Kayes joined Liton and the Comilla captain picked up the run-rate.

Liton, however, brought his downfall with an untimely run-out in the seventh over, having struck three sixes and a boundary in his innings. Imrul soon followed suit three overs later after a quickfire 15-ball 28.   

Liton reacts after getting out. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

Barishal were on the driving seat from then on and picked two more wickets and Comilla were reeling on 100 for five. Shakib was brilliant with the ball as well as the premier all-rounder had given away only 11 runs from his three overs while removing Chadwick Walton.

Comilla ultimately could post 165 for seven after 20 overs despite Khushdil Shah striking four maximums for his 43 off 27 balls and Mosaddek Hossain chipping in with a 19-ball 27.