The cricketing world witnessed a strategic masterpiece as Fortune Barishal captain Tamim Iqbal won the toss and elected to field against the Rangpur Riders in the third match of the 2024 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the iconic Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Unveiling Mohammad Imran’s Bowling Brilliance
In a bold move, Tamim entrusted the crucial first over to the talented left-arm fast bowler, Mohammad Imran, who was celebrating his 23rd birthday. Imran, with a commendable stint with Karachi Kings in the PSL and later with Peshawar Zalmi, showcased his prowess in the National T20 Cup for the Peshawar Region.
December 2023 marked a significant milestone in Imran’s career when he dismantled the Rawalpindi Region, securing impressive figures of 6-16 – the best recorded on Pakistani soil in all Twenty20 cricket, surpassing Faheem Ashraf’s 6-19 set during the 2019 PSL.
Imran’s Record-Breaking Performance
Imran’s bowling brilliance has etched his name in the annals of cricketing history. His exceptional figures of 6-16 place him second among all Pakistani bowlers, trailing only Sohail Tanvir’s iconic 6-14 achieved during the 2008 IPL. Imran’s technique, particularly when bowling from over the wicket, was evident as he delivered a lethal yorker that curled into Brandon King, breaching his defense and knocking the middle stump back.
Despite Imran securing only one wicket in the match, his economic spell of 1-31 played a pivotal role in restricting the Rangpur innings. The opposition struggled to gather momentum, concluding their innings at a modest 134-9 against the relentless bowling duo of Khaled Ahmed (4-31) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2-13).
Tamim Iqbal’s Commanding Leadership
In response, Tamim Iqbal, the charismatic captain of Barishal, took charge at the top of the order. His explosive 24-ball 35 set the tone for Barishal’s innings. Tamim’s leadership prowess and batting prowess were on full display as he guided his team to victory with five balls and five wickets in hand.