The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium maintained its reputation for producing high-scoring encounters as Fortune Barishal registered the second 200-plus total in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League in the first game of the tournament's Chattogram phase against Chattogram Challengers yesterday.

It turned out to be a batting paradise, with Barishal posting 202 for seven after being sent to bat, powered by Pakistan batter Iftekhar Ahmed's blistering 57 off just 26 balls which was punctuated by five sixes and three fours.

Courtesy of Iftekhar's late carnage, Barishal managed to score 63 runs in the last five overs of their innings. Afghan batter Ibrahim Zadran also added a quick 48 off 33 balls after openers Anamul Haque (30) and Mehedi Hasan Miraz (24), promoted to an opening slot, provided a flying start.

The trust in the surface from the batters was evident although Chattogram skipper Shuvagta Hom opted to field and was looking to chase considering the positive nature of the Chattogram pitch.

In reply, Chattogram managed to put up a fight and reached 81 for two in 11 overs after Usman Khan's 19-ball 36.

Hard-hitter Ziaur Rahman raised the home support's hopes by raining down sixes and remained unbeaten on 47 off 25 balls with four sixes and three fours, but it was not enough. The hosts fell short by 26 runs, ending up on 176 for four after 20 overs.

Low-scoring encounters have always proved an issue in previous editions of the BPL, but Chattogram proved to be a lifesaver with the surfaces on offer. This time around, the port city is living up to its reputation again.

Despite being on the losing side, Chattogram's Ziaur was full of praise for the surface, adding that such pitches could help foster batters willing to emerge as hard-hitters, which the Tigers have sorely lacked in the shortest format for a long time.

"I think the habit is important. Once the wickets are better, power-hitting will come automatically. But if the surfaces are not good enough, you won't be able to hit no matter how good your technique is because you need the ball to come to bat," Ziaur told the media after the game.

However, despite the sporting surface, Khulna Tigers were unable to post a decent total against Rangpur Riders in the night game yesterday.

Tamim Iqbal disappointed with a tentative batting approach and handed a return catch to Azmatullah Omarzai after being caught in two minds on a length delivery after scoring just one run.

Khulna's poor batting approach was a stark reminder that a positive mindset from the batters is important even if the surface plays well and executing rather chancing the bat at every delivery is key.

They are still searching for a first win after three games and were reeling on 80 for six inside 13 overs after being sent to bat. Even the batting-friendly track could not inspire them to a fighting total as they were eventually bowled out for 130 in 19.4 overs.