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Benny Howell and Ariful Islam's century-run stand could not save Sylhet from the face of defeat as Fortune Barishal secured an 18-run win in match 35 of Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

Chasing the target, Sylhet found themselves in a spot of bother when they were slumped to 40-6 in the first ten overs. Kyle Mayers struck thrice to rattle down the batting line-up in his BPL debut.

Howell smashed a 32-ball 53 with five boundaries and a couple of sixes to register a 108-run stand with Ariful Islam who scored 57 off 31 hitting five fours and four sixes which is also his maiden half-century of BPL.

Obed McCoy posed threat and broke the partnership to bring Barishal back into the game when he castled Ariful and Mohammad Saifuddin got rid of Howell in the next over. 

Earlier, Mushfiqur Rahim's and Kyle Mayers's anchoring batting helped Barishal post a strong 183-6 in 20 overs. Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the bowling attack as he returned three conceding 48 in his four overs.

Mushfiqur smashed a 32-ball 52 featuring three boundaries and an equal number of sixes and Mayers shone with the bat in his first BPL match staggering 48 off 31 three fours and three sixes.

Openers Tamim Iqbal and Ahmed Shehzad, failed to provide a good start, as they were dismissed by Tanzim Hasan Sakib in the first powerplay. Soumya Sarker (8) was sent back by Harry Tector, and after that, Mushfiqur and Mayers formed an 84-run partnership that helped to stabilize their innings and set a strong total.

Mahmudullah Riyad and Miraz contributed with 12 and 15 runs respectively. Apart from Sakib, pacer Shafiqul Islam and Harry Tector took one wicket each for Sylhet.