ZCZC
BSP-16
CRICKET-DPL-ABAHANI
Abahani keep them in the hunt of DPL title
DHAKA, April 19, 2019 (BSS)- Defending champions Abahani Limited stayed on
course of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title by securing their third
straight victory in the Super League phase as they recorded an effortless
six-wicket victory over Prime Bank Cricket Club at Sher-e-Bangla National
Cricket Stadium today.
Mohammad Saifuddin continued his good bowling form, claiming his second
five-for in List A cricket to help Abahani bundle Prime Bank out for 226 in
49.3 overs. Abahani, however, cantered to the victory by making 228-4 in 44.4
overs.
This was indeed a sweet revenge for Abahani who lost to Prime Bank in the
group phase match by 16 runs.
Abahani remained in second spot with 22 points, two points adrift of the
league leaders Legends of Rupganj and need to win the rest of the two matches
to retain the title.
In the first match of the Super League, Saifuddin snapped up his career-
best 5-9. He couldn’t eclipse the record but showed as to why he is
considered as the best weapon for Bangladesh in the upcoming World Cup.
He returned figures of 5-32 to dismantle the Prime Bank’s top order after
they were sent to bat first. Along with Saifuddin, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza also
dazzled with 2-50 to leave Prime Bank in a precarious 66-6. Alok Kapali and
Nayeem Hasan saved the side from ultimate shamble sharing 108 runs which
finally enabled them to go past 200 runs mark that looked unlikely at one
phase.
Kapali was the highest scorer with 80 while Nayeem Hasan made 51.
Abahani also suffered a top order collapse to be reduced to 55-3 before
Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Wasim Jaffer eased the tension. They shared 122-run
for the third wicket stand to make the chase a one-way traffic. Jaffer was
dismissed for 64 but Shanto remained not out on 77 and propelled the side
home.
Nayeem Hasan picked up 2-49 after hitting 51 with willow but his all-round
effort went in vain against a spirited Abahani Limited.
BSS/SMP/SSS/1728 hrs