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Finally, the grand finale of the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) is about to reach its climax, with the defending champions Fortune Barishal and Chittagong Kings set to lock horns at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday evening.
The final match is always a stage to showcase the best cricketing prowess, and all the players of both teams are set to make their mark.
Whether you are at the gallery of the Sher-e-Bangla, in the comfort of your living room with your eyes glued to the TV screen, or if you are on the go with your tiny mobile screen in your hands, keep your eyes on these four players who can make the final special for their respective teams.
Tamim Iqbal
Tamim Iqbal led Barishal to their maiden title last year, and this year, too, he is at the helm and led the team to the final. They now stand just one victory away from back-to-back championships.
Tamim’s leadership and impact as a batter have been the guiding light for Barishal throughout the event. En route to the final, Tamim scored more than 350 runs in this edition of the BPL, the most by a Barishal batter this season. If he can continue as their best batter in the final, Barishal can enjoy their second title.
Shamim Hossain
Shamim Hossain played a superb knock of 79 runs in just 47 balls in two matches before the final. He has a name for being a good batter in the crunch moment, and he can score runs quickly, unlike many others.
Shamim’s good show can write the fate in favour of the Chittagong Kings in the final. He scored 350 runs in this season of BPL—the most by a local player of the Kings.
Towhid Hridoy
Despite having shown promise at the national level in limited-overs cricket, Towhid Hridoy has had a relatively quiet BPL season so far. In the 13 matches he played, he just scored one fifty— far less than what is expected of him.
But Hridoy can turn the tide at any moment, and that is why the Barishal fans can keep their eyes on him in the final. A good innings from Hridoy can guide Barishal home.
Khaled Ahmed
Right-arm pacer Khaled Ahmed bagged 20 wickets in 13 matches—the most by a local bowler after Taskin Ahmed. He is the most-wicket taker for his team, and in the final, he can be the x-factor for the Kings on the low and slow wicket of Mirpur.
An impactful spell, especially early in the innings or in the crucial death overs, could give the Kings a decisive edge and help them achieve their elusive BPL title.