Tamim Iqbal bats in the Mirpur nets during a Fortune Barishal training session Dhaka Tribune/Md Manik

Barishal, coached by the experienced Sarwar Imran, may not have big names but their squad certainly has what it takes to go far in the tournament

Fortune Barishal have been touted as one of the weakest teams in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup in the pre-tournament predictions, but the management are banking all their hope on Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim Iqbal to perform miracles with an under-studded, yet exciting squad.

Tamim initially expressed reservations with the experience of the squad that was put up in the players’ draft, but like a good skipper, pinned on them to prove their worth, and first up against them Tuesday at 6:30pm are Gemcon Khulna, a major tournament favorite on paper. 

“It’s not like the teams who have the most pedigree on paper always end up winning the tournament. I am confident that all my players are capable, they are ready to prove themselves. I believe they will play well,” said Tamim on the eve of their opening game at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. 

Barishal, coached by the experienced Sarwar Imran, may not have big names but their squad certainly has what it takes to go far in the tournament and prove the doubters wrong. 

With 214 runs and nine wickets, left-handed batsman Irfan Sukkur and right-arm seamer Sumon Khan shone brightly in the just concluded BCB President’s Cup.

Gemcon Khulna have compiled a strong squad for the Bangabandhu T20 Cup and already became a title contender thanks to their squad depth.

Posted by Sports Tribune on Monday, 23 November 2020

Irfan bagged the batsman of the tournament and final award, while Sumon notched the bowler of the final accolade, alongside being named the player of the final.

The pace bowling department is one of their main strengths with right-arm pacer Taskin Ahmed looking to continue from where he had left  in the President’s Cup where he was rewarded with the comeback player of the tournament title.

Right-arm pace bowlers Abu Jayed and Kamrul Islam Rabbi will provide valuable support to Sumon and Taskin, while the spin department will be led by off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz and leg-spinner Aminul Hossain Biplob.

Tamim will also expect youngsters Afif Hossain and Saif Hasan to replicate their fireworks for the national team for Barisal, whose squad also boast U-19 stars of the last World Cup in South Africa, in the form of Towhid Hridoy and Parvez Hossain Emon.

Squad

Tamim Iqbal, Afif Hossian, Taskin Ahmed, Irfan Sukkur, Mehedi Miraz, Abu Jayed, Towhid Hridoy, Tanvir Islam, Sumon Khan, Saif Hasan, Aminul Biplob, Mahidul Ankon, Pervez Emon, Kamrul Rabbi, Abu Sayem, Sohrawardi Shuvo