A target of 130 runs seemed pretty impossible after Minister Group Dhaka (MGD) lost four wickets scoring just 10 runs within first three overs but eventually West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell’s (31 runs off 15 balls) impressive knock helped Dhaka in clinching a four-wicket victory against Fortune Barishal, in a Bangladesh Premier League match, played on January 24 (Monday), in Dhaka.
Batting first, Barishal registered a total of 129 runs losing 8 wickets in 20 overs. Barishal side faced an early trouble after they lost their first three wickets scoring just 23 runs within 6 overs.
Crucial partnership
But the West Indian pair of Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo registered a solid partnership of 33 runs off 19 balls to take their side to a fightable position. Previously Gayle was also part of another strong partnership (37 runs off 35 balls) with skipper Shakib-Al-Hasan (23 runs off 19 balls).
Gayle who looked in superb form was dismissed by Sri Lanka fast bowler Isuru Udana in the 16th over as the West Indian southpaw went back to the dressing room after scoring 36 runs off 30 balls.
Bravo, on the other hand, remained not out scoring 33 runs off 26 balls.
For the Dhaka side, their West Indies all-rounder Russell and Udana picked up two wickets each.
Barishal's batting
In reply, the Barishal bowlers had a terrific start after their left-arm medium pacer Shafiqul Islam dismissed two of the Dhaka openers- Tamim Iqbal (0) and wicketkeeper Mohammad Shahzad (5) in first three overs.
West Indian fast bowler Alzarri Joseph gave Islam a good support as he also picked up two wickets- Mohammad Naim (4) and Jahurul Islam (0), quickly.
But then skipper Mahmuddulah (47 runs off 47 balls) and Shuvagata Hom (29 runs off 25 balls) had a solid partnership of 69 runs off 62 balls between them to avert the early trouble.
Later Russell smashed 3 boundaries and 2 sixes to score 31 runs off 15 balls. Russell’s unbeaten innings helped Dhaka side to score the winning runs with 15 balls remaining.
With this victory, the Dhaka side cinched their first victory of the tournament after playing three matches.
Barishal on the other hand, have two points after playing two matches.