February 26, 2024

Mayers and Tamim Sustain Fortune Barishal’s Hopes – Bangladesh Premier League

Chattogram Challengers were restricted to 135 for 9 in the knockout match.

Fortune Barishal chased down 136 for 3 (Tamim 52*, Mayers 50) to defeat Chattogram Challengers, who scored 135 for 9 (Brown 34, Shuvagata 24; Mayers 2-28, Saifuddin 2-28, McCoy 2-29), by seven wickets.

Fortune Barishal remained in contention for a BPL final spot after defeating Chattogram Challengers by seven wickets in the Eliminator match in Mirpur. Kyle Mayers shone for Barishal with a standout performance, claiming two wickets and scoring a quick half-century.

Fortune Barishal will now face the loser of Qualifier 1 on Wednesday  •  BPL

Kyle Mayer’s Information: 

A left-handed batsman who bowls helpful medium pace, Kyle Mayers traveled to England as a reserve for the West Indies in 2020 before making his T20I debut in New Zealand later that year.

He earned his spot with impressive performances in regional cricket for Barbados, including his first professional centuries in the 2019-20 season. In the Regional Super50, he scored 113 from the middle order against the Leeward Islands. He finished second to Jermaine Blackwood in the four-day run-scoring charts as Barbados cruised to the title.

Mayers showcased his power against seamers—though he appeared uncomfortable against spin—during the 2020 CPL with Barbados Tridents, which earned him a place in the T20I squad later that year. Despite a challenging start to his T20I career, the withdrawal of several senior players provided him an opportunity in the Test and ODI squads in Bangladesh in early 2021. 

Barishal lost Soumya Sarkar in the first over of their 136-run chase, but Tamim Iqbal and No. 3 Kyle Mayers quickly steadied the innings. 3 Kyle Mayers quickly took charge. 3 Kyle Mayers responded swiftly. Tamim hit three fours off Al-Amin Hossain in the second over, and Mayers followed with his first six in the third. Mayers exploded against Shuvagata Hom in the fifth over, scoring 26 runs with three sixes and two fours.

Tamim Iqbal’s Information:

By his 21st birthday, Tamim Iqbal was already one of Bangladesh’s most reliable batsmen. He is expected to be a crucial top-order player for years. His potential was evident when, in late 2005, he scored 112 off just 71 balls for the Under-19s against England, leading. 

Bangladesh to a comfortable win. Regarded as one of the most exciting talents in Bangladeshi cricket, Tamim is known for his aggressive hitting and elegant off-side play, with his straight drive being a standout shot.

Tamim is the younger brother of Bangladesh international Nafis Iqbal Khan and the nephew of former captain Akram Khan. He made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in February 2007. He was quickly included in the World Cup squad after just two matches. One of his standout moments was a straight six off Zaheer Khan, one of the best shots of the tournament. He scored 84 on his Test debut against New Zealand in Dunedin. He solidified his position at the top of the order. His first century came in 2009 against the West Indies in St Vincent, a match-winning knock, and he set a national record with an unbeaten 154 against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo during a challenging chase.

Tamim has thrived against England’s bowling attack, with a remarkable run of form in both home and away series, including five scores over fifty in six Test innings, culminating in a stunning 103 at Lord’s in May 2010.

Mayers was dismissed shortly after reaching 50, caught behind off Bilal Khan after facing 26 balls and hitting five sixes and three fours. Tamim led the chase with an unbeaten 52 off 43 balls, including nine fours, guiding Barishal to victory with 5.1 overs to spare. Newcomer David Miller, who did not force the issue, scored 17 off 13 balls before being caught at deep midwicket. 

Mushfiqur Rahim was there with Tamim to finish the chase. Chattogram, which had relied heavily on their in-form opener Tanzid Hasan, saw him dismissed in the second over when Saifuddin had him caught behind. Tanzid’s opening partner, Josh Brown, briefly counter-attacked with three sixes and two fours before being caught at point by Miller, scoring 34 off 22 balls.

Some Information About Tanzid Hasan: 

Tanzid Hasan has emerged as a leading candidate among Bangladesh’s openers to potentially replace Tamim Iqbal in the long term, surpassing players like Mohammad Naim, Rony Talukdar, and Soumya Sarkar. Nicknamed Tamim and displaying a style reminiscent of the veteran, particularly in his youthful aggression, Tanzid’s future as the first-choice opener will hinge on his consistency.

In the 2023 World Cup, Tanzid was seen as a critical player but managed only one half-century, averaging 16.11 across nine matches and struggling with off-side drives against top fast bowlers. His sole fifty came against India in Pune, where he effectively used his limited shots. In his only ODI since the World Cup, he scored a brisk 84 against Sri Lanka in Chattogram. 

Tanzid’s T20I performances in 2024 were mixed; despite a strong debut series against Zimbabwe and a notable BPL season with 384 runs at a 135.68 strike rate, his World Cup showing was disappointing, with only 76 runs in seven innings, raising questions about his long-term role in the team.

Hailing from Bogra, about 200km northwest of Dhaka, Tanzid had to persuade his father to support his cricket ambitions. He trained at the Bangla Trac Cricket Academy in Rajshahi before making an impact in the 2019 Dhaka Premier League. As Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team member, he scored 80 in the quarterfinal against South Africa. Tanzid lists Tamim Iqbal as his favorite cricketer.

Shuvagata’s 24 off 16 balls pushed Chattogram past the 100-run mark, but the Barishal bowlers took control for the remainder of the innings. Mayers, Saifuddin, and Obed McCoy each claimed two wickets, while Taijul Islam and James Fuller each took one.

Stand behind your favorite player! Explore our site to find ways you can show your support today.

Top Cricket News | Jaker Makes New Case for National Team | Bangladesh Premier League | Big Bash League | Cricket World Cup | Indian Premier League | Pakistan Super League | T20 Blast