Chattogram confirm top spot

Gazi Group Chattogram confirmed top spot in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup standing after beating bottom side Fortune Barishal by a comprehensive margin of seven wickets in Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Thursday. 

The port city outfit have 12 points from seven matches ahead of their last first round match against Minister Group Rajshahi at the same venue Saturday.

Barishal, who have four points from seven games, take on Beximco Dhaka in the other game on the same day to decide the fourth and final playoff berth.

Second from bottom Rajshahi have the same number of points as Barishal so net run rate is likely to come into play not only to decide the playoff line-up, but also for the second spot, currently occupied by Gemcon Khulna on NRR ahead of Dhaka. 

Chasing 150 for victory, Chattogram cruised to their target in 18.4 overs losing just three wickets, riding on their 79-run opening stand.

Chattogram opener Soumya Sarkar scored 62 off just 37 balls with seven fours and three sixes, while his opening partner Saykat Ali made a 33-ball 39. 

Saykat replaced the in-form Liton Das, who was rested by Chattogram ahead of the all important playoffs, and gave a good account of himself, hitting half a dozen fours and a six.

Barishal earlier posted 149/6 after being asked to bat first.

Captain Tamim Iqbal (43) and opener Saif Hasan (46) gave their side a great start, putting on 87 in 10.4 overs.

But the rest of the Barishal batsmen all floundered and were unable to capitalize on the platform laid by the openers with the exception of youngster Afif Hossain (28 not out) and Parvez Hossain Emon (14).

18TH MATCH, GGCvFB

GAZI GROUP CHATTOGRAM 153/3 in 18.4 overs (Soumya 62, Saykat 39) beat FORTUNE BARISHAL 149/6 (Saif 46, Tamim 43) by seven wickets