Barishal clinch last spot

Naim Sheikh's magnificent hundred went in vain as Fortune Barishal registered a nail-biting two-run win over Beximco Dhaka to clinch the final qualification spot for the playoff stages of the Bangabandhu T20 Cup yesterday.

The equation was simple for Barishal, who knew they had to win their last game against Dhaka and posted 193 for three after being asked to bat. However, even if Barishal lost, they would have qualified had Dhaka failed to reach the target in 18.3 overs.

However, Dhaka fought till the end as a win would see them reach second place and play the qualifiers against Gazi Group Chattogram. It was Naim who kept Dhaka's hopes alive till the end by smashing the third century of the tournament.

Tamim Iqbal's but after his departure for a 64-ball 105 including seven sixes and eight fours, Dhaka could only reach 191 for six in their allotted overs.

Chasing the huge target, Dhaka lost three early wickets before Naim and Yasir Ali added 110 for the fourth wicket. Yasir then departed for 41 as Barishal's bowlers began to make inroads.

Left-arm spinner Sohrawardi Shuvo, playing his first game for Barishal, was the pick of the bowlers and bagged three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Dhaka skipper Mushfiqur Rahim, and ended with figures of three for 13.

Earlier, Barishal once again got a steady start from openers Tamim Iqbal and Saif Hasan. The duo added 59 runs before Tamim was dismissed for 19. Saif added 50 but after both openers were dismissed, Dhaka's bowlers started to apply the pressure.

Afif Hossain and Towhid Hridoy came together and added a quickfire, unbeaten 91-run fourth-wicket stand that helped them post a huge total.

Afif remained not out on a 25-ball 50 while Hridoy struck the fastest fifty of the tournament off just 22 balls. Both played some powerful strokes in the latter stage of the innings.

After this defeat, Dhaka slipped to third place and they will face Barishal in an eliminator while Chattogram will face Khulna in the first qualifier.