Mahmudullah's patient fifty guides Barishal to 167-9

Chattogram, 22 Jan -A patient half-century from veteran Mahmudulllah Riyad steered Fortune Barishal to 167-9 against Khulna Tigers after a shaky start in a crucial Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

Mahmudullah struck 45 ball-50, a knock laced with three fours and two sixes to help the side steady the innings after Barishal were reduced to 16-3 in third over.

Towhid Hridoy who opened the innings with Tamim Iqbal made 36 and added 47-run with Mahmudullah to resist the collapse.

Khulna captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz who took 3-35, gave Barishal a forgettable start, by dismissing Tamim Iqbal and Dawid Malan in consecutive deliveries. Both of the batters were removed for duck. To make the matter worse, Mushfiqur Rahim was trapped run out for 5.

As Hridoy looked to rebuild the innings with Mahmudullah, Miraz again struck to get the better of the former. 

Mohammad Nabi and Fahim Ashraf also were dismissed for single digit figure to leave Barishal in further precarious state. Mahmudullah kept the one end intact to propel the side past 100.

Rishad Hossain then blasted a 19 ball-39 with five fours and one six to give the scoreboard some respectability. 

Salman Irshad took 2-19 to complement his captain Mehidy Miraz.