ZCZC
BSP-10
CRICKET-DPL T20
Sheikh Jamal into DPL T20 final after Ziaur’s 72 not out
DHAKA, March 1, 2019 (BSS)- Hard-hitting batsman Ziaur Rahman smashed his career best 72 not out to help Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club move to the final of Dhaka Premier League (DPL) T20 tournament, thrashing Shinepukur Cricket Club by five wickets in the first semifinal at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here today.
Zaiur’s unbeaten 29 ball-72, studded with four fours and seven sixes, was instrumental in assisting Jamal reach the victory mark 182-5, overhauling Shinepukur’s 181-7 with 14 balls to spare.
Zaiur’s onslaught came at the moment when Sheikh Jamal was struggling at 65-5 in ninth over while chasing a relatively big target set by Shinepukur.
He sent Shinepukur bowlers in receiving end by sharing 117 off just 76 balls in an undefeated sixth wicket partnership with skipper Nurul Hasan, who remained unbeaten on 43 off 31.
Shinepukur’s left-arm spinner Suhrawardi Shuvo dealt a double to peg back Jamal’s innings, claiming the wicket of opener Fardeen Hasan (22) and Nasir Hossain before another opener Imtiaz Hossain (11) was run out after having a good start. Another left-arm spinner of the side Tipu Sultan further jolted Sheikh Jamal, dismissing Hasanuzzaman (13) via leg-before.
Thereafter Shinepukur sensed a victory when pace bowler Delwar Hossain removed Tanbir Hyder for naught.
With the side reeling to 65-5, Ziaur Rahamn launched a spectacular counter-attack to leave the Shinepukur bowlers in state of embarrassment.
His six-hitting spree was well complemented by Nurul Hasan’s serene, yet fluent knock and Sheikh Jamal reached home in quite comfortable fashion what looked unlikely at the start of the chase.
Nurul Hasan struck four fours and one six, that sailed over deep mid-wicket to seal the deal.
Suhrawadi Shuvo bagged 2-31 to be the most successful bowler for Shinepukur.
Afif Hossain’s 41 ball-65, clobbered with seven fours and three sixes, was key in Shinepukur’s total that looked daunting before Ziaur’s match-defining knock.
Afif and opener Sabbir Hossain combined for a 113-run partnership for the second wicket after another opener Mohammad Rakib fell for naught in the first over. Sabbir contributed 47 off 32, hitting two fours and three sixes.
Left-arm pacer Salahuddin Shakib broke through with the wicket of Afif while left-arm spinner Elius Sunny got the better of Sabbir to stall the progress.
When it looked Sheikh Jamal bowlers would take the upper-hand, Shuvagata Hom and Towhid Ridoy shared a 57 off 31 for the fourth wicket stand to set the platform of going for ultimate kill.
Hom made 31 off 17 while Ridoy hit 24 off 17 before they fell to Shahidul Islam in consecutive deliveries.
Salahuddin Shakil curbed the aggression of Shinepukur’s lower order batsman but still the target was not so easier to achieve.
Shakil was the most successful bowler for Jamal with 4-28, his career best bowling in what was his third T20 game. Another pacer Shahidul Islam finished with 2-25, complementing Shakil’s efforts.
BSS/SMP/SH/1833 HRS