Barishal stuns Comilla to claim maiden BPL title

 Fortune Barishal clinched the championship in the 10th edition of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), overcoming the four-time titleholders Comilla Victorians in Friday‍‍`s final.

Barishal successfully chased down the target of 155 runs with six wickets in hand, as David Miller struck a decisive boundary off Mustafizur Rahman‍‍`s delivery outside the off-stump off the last ball of the 19th over. 

Kyle Mayers led the charge with a dynamic 46 off 30 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while the opening partnership of 76 runs between Tamim Iqbal and Mehidy Hasan laid a solid foundation.

After the first-wicket partnership, Barishal maintained their momentum throughout the chase.

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Barishal effectively contained Comilla‍‍`s batting lineup, with Sunil Narine falling early for just 5 runs. Kyle Mayers made crucial first breakthrough.

Comilla’s best batter in this BPL, Towhid Hridoy, and their captain Litton Das were also sent back within the powerplay, leaving Comilla struggling to recover.

Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scored for Comilla with 38 runs, supported by Andre Russell‍‍`s late onslaught of 27 off 14 balls. However, questions arose regarding Russell‍‍`s delayed entry into the batting order.

James Fuller claimed two wickets for Barishal but conceded 43 runs in his spell.

Upon sealing the victory, jubilant Barishal players and support staff rushed onto the field in celebration. Unbeaten Mahmudullah Riyad and David Miller were embraced by teammates amidst a backdrop of fireworks, as the Sher-e-Bangla stadium erupted in euphoria.

Tamim Iqbal, Barishal’s captain, concluded this year‍‍`s BPL with 492 runs—the highest by any batter—averaging over 35 runs, with a strike rate of over 127. He surpassed Comilla’s Towhid Hridoy, who scored 462 runs. Tamim scored 39 runs in the final and was awarded the player of the BPL 2024, marking the first time he has received this honor.

Tamim will receive a reward of BDT 15 lakh—10 lakh for the player of the tournament and 5 lakh as the best batter.

Alongside Tamim, this BPL brought relief for Mahmudullah Riyad and Mushfiqur Rahim, who won the BPL title for the first time. Both had played in two BPL finals before but had failed to win. However, this time, their wait for a BPL title ended.

Kyle Mayers was awarded the player of the final for his 46 runs and 1 wicket for 26. Shoriful Islam was the highest wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 12 matches. He represented Durdanto Dhaka, who were eliminated as the first team. 

Champions Fortune Barishal will receive a reward of BDT two crore, while the runners-up Comilla Victorians will be rewarded BDT one crore.