Ashraful ton in vain as Brothers win

Right-handed batsman Mohammad Ashraful registered his third consecutive century, and fifth overall, in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League season 2017-18. In the process, he rose to the top of the list of the highest run-scorers. The former Bangladesh captain struck an unbeaten 102 at BKSP in the relegation phase of the premier 50-over tournament of the country for Kalabagan Krira Chakra. The ill-fated side however, could not capitalise on Ashraful’s heroics as they lost the game to Brothers Union by six wickets. Having come to the relegation league with only two wins this season, Kalabagan had already confirmed their relegation to the Dhaka First Division Cricket League. The only bright side of the team this season was Ashraful, who has blasted five List A centuries to emerge as the DPL top-scorer this season. With 665 runs at an average of 74.13, Ashraful is at the summit. Batting first, Kalabagan, riding on Ashraful’s 102, posted 252 losing three wickets in their stipulated 50 overs. Opener Waliul Karim added 79 to the tally. Ashraful in his 137-ball innings hammered 10 boundaries. Brothers left-arm spinner Sohrawardi Shuvo picked up two wickets. Chasing the target, opener Mizanur Rahman’s 115 boosted Brothers as they reached the shore in 44.3 overs for the loss of four wickets. Mizanur in his 104-ball knock blasted 11 fours and half a dozen sixes. Middle-order batsman Yasir Ali Chowdhury remained unbeaten on 45 off 49 deliveries. Kalabagan’s Jaimul Islam notched three wickets.BRIEF SCOREBrothers 253/4 in 44.3 overs (Mizanur 115, Jaimul 3/47) beat Kalabagan 252/3 (Ashraful 102*, Waliul 79) by six wickets MONDAY'S MATCHESAbahani v Khelaghar, MirpurRupganj v Gazi, FatullahDoleshwar v Sk Jamal, BKSP 3All the games will start at 9am RELEGATION LEAGUETeams M W L Pts NRRBrothers 12 5 7 10 -0.173Agrani Bank 12 5 7 10 -0.266Kalabagan 13 2 11 4 -0.648