Abahani Limited retained Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title after four-wicket win over Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Cricket Club at BKSP-4 ground today.
The victory against Sheikh Jamal was Abahani's 14th straight in the DPL, including three in the Super League phase as they sealed the trophy, keeping two matches at hands.
Abahani faced a tough time to form their first XI for the match against Jamal after as many as 10 of their first choice players made room in the national team for the five-match T20 series against Zimbabwe.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) responded their request by allowing three players - Afif Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Tanvir Islam to play the crucial game against Sheikh Jamal, which was bolstered by the return of ace allrounder Shakib Al Hasan.
Apart from Tanvir, the other two, were key in Abahani's hard-fought victory to help Abahani win its fifth title since the league gets the List A status in 2013. In the year from 1973 to 2012, Abahani won the title for a record 17 times.
After winning 14 matches, Abahani's next target is to end the league as unbeaten champions for which they need to win the last two matches. Mohammedan Sporting Club are in the second place with 22 points after winning three straight matches in the Super League. However, victory in the last two matches even won't help Mohammedan's cause.
Put into bat first, Sheikh Jamal piled up 267-9 with Ziaur Rahman hitting highest 85. Ziaur who provided the late impetus to help Jamal post a respectable total smashed six fours and eight sixes in his knock, playing just 58 balls.
Shakib Al Hasan, who returned to the country yesterday from USA, made 49 off 56, hitting two fours and three sixes. Shakib was rested from the first three T20 Internationals against Zimbabwe as he was advised to get his match fitness by playing DPL matches. Shykat Ali and captain Nurul Hasan Sohan made identical 41 runs.
For Abahani Limited, Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-62) and Rakibul Hasan (3-29) took three wickets apiece while Nahidul Islam snapped up 2-31.
Riding on three half-centuries, Abahani raced to the victory with a ball to spare, reaching 273-6 in 49.5 overs.
Afif Hossain was instrumental in the successful run chase with 88 ball-83, a knock laced with eight fours and two sixes. Anamul Haque Bijoy scored 67 and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat who led the side in absence of Najmul Hossain Shanto added 53 not out.
Shafiqul Islam took two wickets for 60 runs while Shakib Al Hasan, Saif Hassan, Taibur Rahman and ripon Mondol grabbed one wicket apiece.
BDST: 2016 HRS, April 30, 2024
MSK
