RAN VS FBA QUALIFIER 2

Right then that is it from Qualifier 2 where Fortune Barishal got another convincing victory to advance into this season's finale against the Comilla Victorians. The grand finale will be played on the 1st of March 2024 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka at 6.00 pm IST (12.30 pm GMT). You can join us way before that for all the build-up to the match. Until then, Cheers and goodbye.

Tamim Iqbal the skipper of Fortune Barishal says that the toss was really important and they utilized the conditions well. Adds that Rangpur Riders batted well in the last 5 overs. Adds that Shamim batted well in the end. Further says that they are hoping for a special performance from someone in the finals. Ends by thanking the crowd for their support and says that they will give their best in the finals.

Mushfiqur Rahim is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his unbeaten 47 runs. He says they won the match and that's what matters. Adds that they played well as a team and the bowlers bowled exceptionally well. States that there was a bit of spongy bounce and lateral movement initially and since they had depth in their batting lineup they could go hard in the first 6 overs. Concludes that he and Kyle Mayers looked to keep things simple and Kyle took over the loose balls and was great to play alongside him and David Miller towards the end.

It's time for the Presentation Ceremony...

The skipper of Rangpur Riders, Nurul Hasan says that the initial overs were crucial and they lost a lot of wickets. Adds that they are disappointed and he credits Shamim for his excellent knock. He adds that it's a great tournament and they lost their last three games. Ends by saying that Shakib couldn't bowl at the start as the ball was seaming well.

Earlier in the game, Shamim Hossain played a crucial innings for Rangpur Riders, scoring an unbeaten 59 off 24 balls to rescue the team from a precarious position of 77/7 to a competitive total of 149/7 in 20 overs. Despite losing wickets regularly, Shamim's innings shifted the momentum in the Riders' favour. James Fuller was the standout bowler for Fortune Barishal, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs in his 4 overs.

Rangpur Riders, buoyed by their momentum from the first innings, made a promising start in the second innings by keeping a tight grip on proceedings. Abu Hider's early breakthroughs within the powerplay provided them with crucial wickets, catapulting them into a favourable position early on. Despite Mohammad Nabi's intervention to disrupt a resilient partnership, the opposition managed to brew another brief alliance, further complicating Rangpur Riders' quest to regain control of the game. Although Fazalhaq Farooqi managed to dismiss the dangerous Kyle Mayers, the deficit proved too significant to overcome. Rangpur Riders lost games when it mattered the most and failed to make it to the final showdown yet again in the Qualifier 2.

Facing a target of 150 runs, Fortune Barishal commenced their innings cautiously but encountered early setbacks as they lost both their openers within a span of just 3 balls in the fourth over. Amidst the early tremors, Soumya Sarkar and Mushfiqur Rahim displayed resilience, forging a sturdy 47-run partnership that helped stabilize the innings and alleviate mounting pressure. The arrival of Kyle Mayers injected impetus into the chase, as he unleashed a flurry of powerful strokes to bring the required run rate within reach. However, it was the seasoned campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim who held firm, exhibiting his wealth of experience by crafting an unbeaten innings of 47 runs, steering his side towards victory with the assistance of David Miller at the other end.

From the brink of elimination to the pinnacle of success, Tamim Iqbal's side has orchestrated a remarkable comeback, defying all odds to secure a coveted spot in the final. With their backs against the wall, they displayed unwavering resilience delivering three stellar performances in consecutive knockout games to make it to the grand finale.

SIX! David Miller finishes off things in style! Fortune Barishal are into the finals of the BPL 2024! Short, on off, David Miller hangs back and plunders it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie. The fielder makes a dive over the ropes but just manages to get his hands at it as the ball goes over the ropes. Fortune Barishal beat Rangpur Riders by 6 wickets!

Some turn and bounce, Mushfiqur Rahim slaps it to covers for one more.

Bowls it on off, David Miller plays a reverse sweep towards backward point for one.

Bowls it on leg, David Miller mistimes his flick. It lobs in the air and lands safe towards the right of the keeper. They scamper across for a quick single. Just 6 needed now!

FOUR! Excellent from David Miller! Overpitched delivery, outside off, David Miller drives imperiously through the covers as the ball finds the fence in a flash!

Full and hung outside off, David Miller aims a wristy drive but gets beaten!

Length, on off, David Miller punches it to the fielder at deep extra covers. Dot.

Short and outside off, Mushfiqur Rahim cuts it to point for one.