Iftikhar blitz helps set up 26-run victory for Barishal 

Fortune Barishal's Pakistan all-rounder Iftikhar Ahmed starred with a blistering fifty to help his side set up a 26-run win over Chattoram Challengers at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Friday.

The right-handed batter smashed five sixes and three fours remaining unbeaten for his 57 off 26 balls and had help from Ibrahim Zadran who held onto his form to score a 33-ball 48 as Barishal posted 202-7 after being put into bat first.

Chattogram's Mrittunjoy picked up three wickets for 49 runs.

In reply, Chattogram fell short of the target and were restricted to 176-4, courtesy of some adept bowling from the Barishal bowlers.

Centurion from the previous match, Usman Khan started proceedings with some fireworks smashing 36 runs off 19 balls before falling to Kamrul Islam Rabbi but his fellow opener Max O'Dowd had a difficult time in the middle as he managed a run-a-ball 29 which made it harder for his side to gather momentum.

Underwhelming knocks from Unmukt Chand and Afif Hossain didn't help either and late fireworks from Ziaur Rahman could only help reduce the margin. Ziaur remained on 47 off 25 balls as he hit four sixes and three fours in the process.