The game between Fortune Barishal and Khulna Tigers in the Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League Twenty20 2022 became a battle between ace all-rounder Shakib al Hasan and young batsman Yasir Ali Chowdhury where the former won by a narrow margin.
At Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium under flood lights Monday Barishal posted 145 thanks to Shakib and Nazmul Hossain Shanto before Shakib showed magic with ball as well to put them in the driving seat.
But local boy Yasir, who showed impressive skill at the Test level for Bangladesh, played a swashbuckling knock of 57 off just 34 balls to see his side end on 139/6 and lose by just six runs.
Barishal skipper Shakib showed his attacking prowess by deploying two of his best bowlers - himself and Afghan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman - to bowl their full quota of eight overs in first nine.
Shakib was exceptional returning with 2/10 while Mujeeb was economical giving away just 13 runs from four overs and due to them Khulna were struggling on 31/2 after nine overs.
Experienced Dwayne Bravo, the highest wicket taker in the recognized T20 history, piled more pressure by picking up two wickets in his very first over to reduce the opponents to 35/4 after 10 overs.
But Yasir refused to give up the fight and got a good partner in experienced Mushfiqur Rahim in their rearguard action.
The well-built batsman added 79 runs off 50 balls with Mushfiq before the latter was dismissed in the 19th over for 33 off 22.
The equation at that stage was next to impossible as Khulna needed 36 off 10 balls but Yasir picked up his fifty that almost snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.
Earlier, after winning the toss Barishal were reduced to 24/3 in the fifth over but Shakib and Shanto steadied the ship with a partnership of 80 off 58 balls.
Shakib got out for 41 off 27 with the aid of two fours and three sixes before Shanto followed him soon after with 45 off 40 balls.
Barishal lost flurry of wickets and were bundled out in 18.5 overs but Mujeeb’s 12 off six proved vital in the end.
With the win Barishal are now third in the points table with six points from five matches while Khulna are struggling on fifth with four points from five games.