Shaheen and Faheem star in Barishal's thrilling BPL opener win

Pakistan cricketers Faheem Ashraf and Shaheen Afridi representing Fortune Barishal during BPL 2024 clash against Durbar Rajshahi at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on December 30, 2024. - X/screengrabMIRPUR: Pakistan stars Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf delivered standout performances to guide defending champions Fortune Barishal to a thrilling win over Durbar Rajshahi in the opening match of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2024-25 season.After being asked to bat first, Rajshahi endured early setback with Kyle Mayers dismissing Jishan Alam for a duck in the opening over. Mohammad Haris followed soon after contributing just 13 runs as the team found itself at 25/2 in 3.1 overs. The innings stabilized thanks to skipper Anamul Haque and Yasir Ali, who forged a formidable 140-run partnership for the third wicket. Haque's composed 65 off 51 balls laid a solid foundation before his dismissal at 165/3 in the 18th over. Yasir Ali then took center stage with a scintillating unbeaten 94 off 47 balls, featuring seven fours and eight towering sixes, powering Rajshahi to an imposing 197/3 in their 20 overs.Barishal’s bowling effort was led by Kyle Mayers (2/13), while Faheem Ashraf chipped in with a wicket. However, debutant Shaheen Afridi went wicketless in his four-over spell.In reply, Barishal's chase began on a shaky note. Najmul Hossain Shanto fell on the first ball of the innings, and skipper Tamim Iqbal followed soon after for just seven runs. A flurry of wickets, including key players like Kyle Mayers (6), Mushfiqur Rahim (13), and Towhid Hridoy (32), left Barishal struggling at 61/5 in 8.1 overs.Amid the turmoil, Mahmudullah and Shaheen Afridi staged a crucial 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Shaheen contributed a quickfire 27 off 17 balls before his dismissal at 112/6 in 12.2 overs.The game turned dramatically as Faheem Ashraf joined Mahmudullah to orchestrate an 88-run unbeaten stand, steering Barishal to victory.Mahmudullah's composed 56 off 26 balls, coupled with Faheem’s explosive 54 off 21 deliveries, featuring seven sixes, ensured a successful chase with 200/6 in just 18.1 overs.Taskin Ahmed led Rajshahi's bowling effort with figures of 3/36, while Hasan Murad (2/31) and Jishan Alam (1/21) offered support. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Barishal's batting heroics. Shaheen Afridi Comments Submit مضمون کا ماخذ: اسکریچ کارڈز خریدیں