
KINGS vs BRSAL (1st Qualifier) – Highlights
In this article, we will discuss the Qualifier 1 Match Highlights of the Bangladesh Premier League 2025 between KINGS and Fortune Barishal, held at Mirpur on February 3. It was a dominant performance by BRSAL, who comfortably chased down the target of 150 with 16 balls to spare, securing a convincing 9-wicket victory. Despite Chittagong Kings’ efforts to post a competitive total, Barishal’s batting firepower proved too strong, leading them straight to the final.
Opting to bat first, KINGS faced an early setback when Khawaja Nafay was dismissed on just the second delivery of the innings, bowled by Kyle Mayers for 4 runs. This early blow put pressure on the Kings, and things worsened when Graham Clark fell in the third over, leaving them at 14/2. Their skipper, Mohammad Mithun, failed to anchor the innings and was dismissed cheaply for just 1, as the team found themselves reeling at 24/3 in the fourth over.
Haider Ali, too, could not contribute much, getting bowled by Ebadot Hossain for 7 runs. The only saving grace for Chittagong Kings was the brilliant knock from Shamim Hossain. Coming in at No. 6, Shamim played a counterattacking innings, scoring 79 runs off 47 balls, hitting 9 fours and 4 sixes, single-handedly rescuing his team from a complete collapse. He formed a crucial partnership with Parvez Hossain Emon, who played a steady innings of 36 from 36 balls before departing in the 14th over.
Despite Shamim’s heroics, the lower order collapsed rapidly. Khaled Ahmed, Arafat Sunny, and Al Islam all fell in quick succession, while Mohammad Ali was on fire with the ball, claiming an impressive 5-wicket haul for just 24 runs in his 4 overs. Kyle Mayers provided great support with 2 wickets, while Ebadot Hossain and Rishad Hossain also chipped in. Eventually, Chittagong Kings managed to post 149/9 in their 20 overs, a total that seemed below par on the Mirpur pitch.
Chasing 150 for a spot in the final, BRSAL got off to a confident start with captain Tamim Iqbal and Towhid Hridoy setting the tone. Tamim played a fluent knock of 29 from 26 balls, anchoring the innings before falling to Khaled Ahmed in the ninth over. However, his dismissal did little to slow down Barishal’s chase.
Towhid Hridoy took control of the innings with a magnificent 82* off 56 balls, hitting 9 boundaries and 2 sixes. His aggressive yet composed approach ensured that the required run rate was never an issue. Partnering with Dawid Malan, who contributed a brisk 34* off 22 balls, the duo stitched together a match-winning stand.
The Chittagong Kings’ bowling attack had no answers to Barishal’s batting masterclass. Shoriful Islam was particularly expensive, conceding 49 runs in his 4 overs without picking up a wicket. Al Islam and Khaled Ahmed tried to apply pressure, but Barishal’s batting lineup proved too strong.
In the end, Fortune Barishal comfortably reached the target in just 17.2 overs, finishing at 150/1, with Hridoy and Malan sealing the victory. This emphatic 9-wicket win not only secured Barishal’s spot in the final but also highlighted their dominance in the tournament. With this performance, they head into the final with great momentum, while Chittagong Kings will now have to regroup and prepare for the second qualifier in hopes of making it to the title clash.
Chittagong Kings vs Fortune Barishal Scoreboard
Chittagong Kings – 149/9
Fortune Barishal– 150/1(17.2/20)
Result – Barishal won by 9 wickets (with 16 balls remaining)
Player of the Match – Mohammad Ali

KINGS vs BRSAL Playing XI
Chittagong Kings
Khawaja Nafay, Parvez Hossain Emon, Graham Clark, Mohammad Mithun(C)(WK), Haider Ali, Shamim Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Arafat Sunny, Shoriful Islam, Al Islam, Binura Fernando
Fortune Barishal
Tamim Iqbal(C), Towhid Hridoy, Dawid Malan, Mushfiqur Rahim(WK), Mahmudullah, Kyle Mayers, Mohammad Nabi, Rishad Hossain, Ebadot Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Mohammad Ali
Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.