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Abahani, Mohammedan taste upset defeat in action-packed day in DPL
DHAKA, June 7, 2021 (BSS) – Both Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club, the two old foes, tasted an upset defeat in the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier League (DPL) today and that effectively ended unbeaten runs.
In four other matches in three venues, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club, Group Cricketers and Brothers Union also won their respective matches.
Abahani vs Khelaghar Khelaghar Samaj Kallayan Samity ended defending champions Abahani Limited’s three-match winning streak with a stunning eight-run victory at BKSP-3 ground.
Thanks to a belligerent 46 ball-66 of opener Imtiaz Hossain, Khelghar posted a decent 164-6, a score that looked not so daunting against a much-vaunted batting line up of Abahani but their bowlers bowled in disciplined manner to restrict the domestic powerhouse to 156-5 and in doing so produced the first upset of the season.
Imtiaz’s knock which included six fours and three sixes proved to be decisive at the end. Alongside him, Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a crucial 33 off 25, studded with four fours and one six.
Khelaghar bowlers resisted the Abahani batsmen, demonstrating a grit and determination. Their strategy of curving the aggression of Abahani batsmen, bowling with disciplined line and length served them well.
Rony Chowdhury and Khaled Ahmed were the successful bowlers for Khelaghar with two wickets apiece but all other bowlers came up with measly bowling effort.
For Abahani, opener Naim Sheikh and middle order batsman Nazmul Hossain Shanto scored identical 49. Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim failed to deliver, scoring just 8.
Mohammedan vs Sheikh Jamal
A day when their archrivals Abahani Limited conceded their first defeat in the season, Mohammedan Sporting Club followed the footstep, suffering a 16-run defeat to Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Sheikh Jamal captain Nurul Hasan Sohan provided the impetus as his 34 ball-66 not out helped the side amass a 161-5, which was a good total in the slow pitch of Mirpur. Mohammedan however were restricted to 145-8 and that effectively ended their three-match unbeaten run in the league.
Mohammedan skipper Shakib Al Hasan bowled brilliantly after opening the bowling following Sheikh Jamal’s decision to bat first. Shakib ended with 4-0-12-2 but despite this effort, Jamal posted such big total, riding on Sohan’s knock. He blasted four fours and five sixes in his 66 not out and later got support from Ziaur Rahamn.
Together with them, they pounded Mohammedan bowlers at the death, hammering 76 runs in the last five overs, that eventually proved to be decisive. Ziaur was not out on 35 off 17 after hitting one four and three sixes.
Mohammedan’s defeat was almost sealed after they were reduced to 15-4 in sixth over. Shakib’s poor run with willow still continued as he scored just 2.
35-year old offspinner Mohammad Enamul in fact ripped through their top order and eventually finished with 3-13.
Mohammadan nonetheless reduced the margin of defeat to 16 thanks to Nadif Chowdhury who made a rapid 57 off 43 with three fours and four sixes. Shamsur Rahman Shuvo was the other notable contributor with 29.
Gazi Group vs Rupganj
Gazi Group Cricketers secured their second victory recording a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over Legends of Rupganj at BKSP-4 ground.
Skipper Mahmudullah Riyad dazzled with cherry as Gazi Group restricted Legends of Rupganj for 132-8. Later Soumya gave the side an impetus with bat to help them gun down the target with 13 balls remaining.
Opening the innings, Soumya smote four fours and two sixes to hammer a whirlwind 53 off 43. Mominul Haque gave him the ample support with 29 ball-34. Later Mahmudullah hit 15 unbeaten to contribute with batting also.
Prime Bank vs Partex
Mohammad Mithun’s unbeaten 57 was complemented by fast bowler Rubel Hossain’s 4-30 as Prime Bank Cricket Club romped to a 72-run victory over Partex Sporting Club at BKSP-3 ground.
Electing to bat first, Prime Bank piled up 167-5 after which their bowlers toyed with Partex batsmen to skittle them out for 95 in 17.2 overs.
Rubel led the charge with four wickets, conceding just 30 runs. He was ably supported by Nahidul Islam and Nayeem Hasan who both took two wickets apiece.
Brothers vs Old DOHS
Middle order batsman Myshukur Rahman struck a 48 ball-68 not out as Brothers Union clinched a thrilling two-run win over Old DHOHS at BKSP-4 ground.
Myshukur’s innings was key as Brothers put up a mediocre 139-5 after which their bowlers bowled well in tandem to restrict DOHS for 137-3.
Prime Doleshwar vs Shinepukur
Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club moved to the top of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier League (DPL) point table after edging Shinepukur Cricket Club past by four wickets at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
After electing to bat first, Shinepukur compiled a moderate 162-7, which Doleshwar overhauled, showing an unwavering resolve. They secured the victory with two balls remaining, making 163-6.
Saif Hassan was the top-scorer of the side with 50 off 35, hitting three fours and four sixes. Fazle Mahmed made 41 while captain Farhad Reza blasted 27 not out off 11, clobbering two fours and as many sixes. Farhad’s knock however quelled the doubt over the victory as the asking run rate climbed to almost 15.
BSS/SMP/RY/1810 hrs