ZCZC
BSP-11
CRICKET-DPL-ABAHANI-SAIFUDDIN
Saifuddin allround show gives Abahani second straight victory in DPL
DHAKA, June 3, 2021 (BSS)—Mohammad Saifuddin produced a stellar allround show to help Abahani Limited secure their second straight victory in the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier League (DPL) as they scripted a 22-run win over Old DOHS Sports Club by DLS system at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
Saifuddin firstly hammered a 19 ball-40 in extremely slow pitch before claiming 1-15 in four overs to play an anchor role in ensuring the victory in a match that was reduced to 19-over after a spell of shower.
After being sent to bat first, his rapid knock enabled Abahani to put up 135-6, a score that looked still ordinary but the young allrounder then came up with an economical bowling effort, aided by the other bowler to restrict DOHS for 113-3.
When ticking the scoreboard was not an easy task, Abahani’s agony was further extended by the early departure of opener Naim Sheikh who got a start but couldn’t just convert it to a big total as he was dismissed on 23 off 21.
The middle order including captain Mushfqiur Rahim also failed to value their wicket, leaving Abahani in a miserable condition. Mushfiqur who was in top form scored just 6.
Afif Hossain however came up with some resistance to stall DOHS progress. As he kept his wicket intact, Saifuddin unleashed some powerful shots from his repertoire to help Abahani finish on a high. Saifuddin’s knock included two fours and three sixes. Afif was not out on 27 off 29.
Mohaiminul Haque and Rakibul Hasan took two wickets apiece for DOHS, whose openers—Anisul Islam Emon and Rakin Ahmed made a strong reply, sharing 53 runs in eighth overs.
But the dismissal of Emon for 20 pegged back DOHS innings as Abahani bowlers regrouped well to make scoring tougher for them. Being unable to pace the innings, they eventually fell well short of the target in stipulated 19 overs.
Rakin was the highest scorer with 43 off 44. Arafat Sunny and Shohidul Islam also took one wicket apiece for Abahani alongside Saifuddin.
BSS/SMP/AU/17:55 hrs