Shamim powers Rangpur to beat Barishal in eliminator

|| CF DESK ||

Rangpur Riders emerged victorious against Fortune Barishal in the eliminator of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.

Rangpur held their nerve till the end to chase down the required target of 171 runs with four wickets and three balls to spare. Shak Mahadi struck two boundaries in the last over to diminish Barishal's hope to win the eliminator.

Shamim notched up 71 off 51 balls, as he hit four boundaries and an equal number of sixes before getting caught out when Rangpur reached 140-5. But Shamim played a crucial role in Rangpur's win as he pulled their innings after the early wicket of Naim Sheikh.

Dasun Shanaka (15) and Mahadi (18), then overcame the last-over challenge to help Ranpur reach the qualifier. Shakib al Hasan, Kamrul Islam Rabbi and Khaled each took two wickets for Barishal.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz quickfired with a 35-ball fifty to propel Barishal to post 170-3 in 20 overs after being invited to bat first.

Miraz smashed 69 off 48 deliveries striking nine boundaries and a six to add 69 run-stand with Mahmudullah Riyad, who scored 34 runs in 21 balls.

Karim Janat played a knock of 33 off 25 featuring three 4's and a six and in last-minute addition Bhanuka Rajapaksha contributed 17 runs.

Shanaka took a couple of wickets and Rakibul Hasan got one for Rangpur.