In their last league phase match in the ongoing Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Minister Group Dhaka lost by eight wickets to Fortune Barishal on Friday.

With this defeat, Dhaka’s dream to advance to the next phase became tough work. They will now have to wait for the results of the matches of Chattogram Challengers and Khulna Tigers who will take on Sylhet Sunrisers and Comilla Victorians respectively on February 12.

If both Chattogram and Khulna win their matches, they will advance to the play-off, and thus, Dhaka will be eliminated. If any of Chattogram and Khulna lose their last match, Dhaka will advance to the play-off. 

As of February 11, Barishal and Comilla have confirmed a place each in the last four. While Barishal ensured the highest of 15 points, Comilla amassed 13 points with one match to play. 

On Friday, Dhaka batted first to post only 128 which was an easy target for Barishal. Tamim Iqbal hit 66 and helped Dhaka to keep the scoreboard afloat, failure of the other batters kept them happy with a below-par total. 

Along with Tamim, Shuvagata Hom was only the other batter to have reached a double-digit score. All of the other eight batters of Dhaka failed to do so. 

For Barishal, Shafiqul Islam, Dwayne Bravo, and Mehedi Hasan Rana have picked two wickets each. 

In reply, Munim Shahriar scored 37 off 25 balls with three sixes and managed a good start for Barishal. Shakib Al Hasan came in at number three and posted 51 off just 29 balls with two sixes and six fours.

The league phase of this year’s BPL will come to an end on February 12 when Chattogram Challengers will take on Sylhet Sunrisers, and Khulna Tigers will play against Comilla Victorians.