An electrifying showdown awaits as Fortune Barishal face off against Chittagong Kings in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) Final at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday evening. The highly anticipated clash is set to begin at 6 PM Bangladesh time.

Both teams enter the final on the back of crucial victories, setting the stage for a thrilling contest where the stakes couldn’t be higher. The match promises an exciting battle between the seasoned experience of Fortune Barishal and the youthful energy of Chittagong Kings.

For Barishal, this marks their third consecutive final appearance. After falling short against the Comilla Victorians—BPL’s most successful franchise—in the 2022-23 season, they bounced back in 2023-24 to defeat the same opponents and claim the title. In contrast, Chittagong Kings are returning to the final for the first time since 2013, looking to end their long wait for glory.

Ahead of the grand final, defending champions Fortune Barishal have further strengthened their squad with the addition of New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham. Led by captain Tamim Iqbal, Barishal already boast a formidable lineup, with seasoned campaigners like Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim providing stability. Their overseas recruits—Dawid Malan, Kyle Mayers, Mohammad Nabi, and Mohammad Ali—have also played crucial roles, particularly in the Qualifier 1 victory.

In contrast, Chittagong Kings have faced challenges with their overseas contingent, most notably the injury to in-form Haider Ali. In his absence, the Kings will rely on Graham Clark, Khawaja Nafay, and Hussain Talat to anchor the middle order, while Binura Fernando will lead the attack with the new ball.

Chittagong’s success will largely hinge on the performances of their local talents. Captain Mohammad Mithun, Parvez Hossain, and finisher Shamim Hossain have been pivotal in stabilising the Kings' batting lineup throughout the season. In the bowling department, Khaled Ahmed, the team’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps, and the in-form Shoriful Islam, with 13 wickets, will be crucial in restricting Barishal’s powerful batting unit.

Alis Al Islam, the hero of the second qualifier, will play a crucial role in the final. His off-spin is well-suited to counter Barishal's left-handed-heavy batting lineup, and his ability to turn the game in the middle overs could be vital in restricting their formidable opponents.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will take the opportunity on the BPL final day to honour Barishal’s captain, Tamim Iqbal, following his retirement from international cricket during this tournament. It will be a special tribute to his immense contributions to Bangladesh cricket.