Shakib-powered Barishal thump Dhaka

Fortune Barishal rode on the performance of their talisman Shakib Al Hasan and registered a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Minister Group Dhaka in the night game of the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today.

After being instrumental with the ball, Shakib remained unbeaten on 51 off just 29 balls, striking six fours and two sixes, as Barishal comfortably chased Dhaka's total of 128 with eight wickets and 27 balls to spare. 

Barishal, who had already confirmed the Qualifier spot before the game, sit on top of BPL points table with 15 points after seven wins in ten games while Comilla Victorians, with a game in hand, occupy second place with 13 points. 

With nine points in 10 games, Dhaka still have a chance to make it to the eliminator as they rely on the last group stage games between Chattogram Challengers against Sylhet Sunrisers and Khulna Tigers versus Comilla tomorrow. 

Both Chattogram and Khulna have eight points each and the last group stage game now turns out to be a must-win encounter for both sides to qualify for the Eliminators. However, if Chattogram lose to Sylhet, then Dhaka will progress to the Eliminator. 

On the other hand, a win for Khulna against Comilla will be enough for them to qualify for the top four. However, if they lose then run-rate relative to Chattogram will come into play in deciding the last eliminator spot. 

Back to the latest encounter, coming into the chase, Barishal lost Chris Gayle cheaply on seven but young Munim Shahriar, once again, showed his big-hitting ability as the right-hander added 37 off 25 balls, striking three sixes and three fours, before being dismissed by the Afghan leggie Qais Ahmed.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was not out on a run-a-ball 28 as he added an unbeaten 83- run stand for the third wicket with Shakib. 

It was Shakib who once again stole the show with his clean hitting. The left-hander struck four boundaries and a six, taking 23 runs off Azmatullah Omarzai in the 12th over. 

Earlier, it was Tamim Iqbal who fought the lone battle for Dhaka, who elected to bat first. The dashing lefty struck his fourth fifty of the tournament to aid his side in posting 128 for 9. 

However, despite Tamim batting with a lot of assurance, he did not get enough support from the other end with Dhaka losing wickets at regular intervals. 

Shafiqul Islam had removed Mohammad Naim, opening the innings this time, after scoring six while Jahurul Islam (2) was bowled by Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who ended up with figures of one for 15 in his four overs. Tamim took on Shafiqul and smashed three consecutive boundaries as Dhaka reached 38 for 2 in the Powerplay.

But Barishal had kept a tight leash on Dhaka, whose skipper Mahmudullah Riyad also failed after scoring just three runs to become Dwayne Bravo's first victim while Shamsur Rahman (3) was dismissed by Shakib. The premier all-rounder characteristically remained instrumental with the ball and ended up with figures of one for 21 from his four overs.  

In-form Shuvagata Hom then paired with Tamim and added 41 runs for the fifth wicket, the latter reaching his fifty off 38 balls.

Tamim was eventually dismissed after scoring 66 off 50 balls, striking nine fours and a six, at the bowling of pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana in the 17th over while Shuvagata remained not out on 21 off 27 balls, striking two fours and a six. 

Bravo picked up two alongside Mehedi Hasan Rana and Shafiqul as Dhaka lost four wickets adding just 16 runs in the last three overs of the innings, with only two of their batters being able to reach double figures in the end.