DPL 2016-17 season: Gazi secure title despite incessant rain

Gazi Group Cricketers' last game of the season, against Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club on Monday was forced to the reserve day (Tuesday) due to rain and a result is yet to arrive. But Gazi celebrated emerging as the champion of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League 2016-17 season after Abahani Limited won their game against Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club at the BKSP ground 4. Holder Abahani beat Jamal by six wickets (D/L method), earning two points to finish the season with 24 points. If Gazi win against Doleshwar, the former will end their campaign at the top of the points table with 26 points. And if Gazi lose, Doleshwar will also have 24 points. With Gazi, Abahani and Doleshwar with equal points at the summit, head-to-head record will come into play, and it will be Gazi who will lead both Doleshwar and Abahani, thus paving the way for them to clinch the title. Gazi got promoted to the premier 50-over tournament last season and took very little time in establishing their authority. Asked to bat first, Gazi posted 142 runs on the board losing five wickets in 33 overs before rain halted play, pushing back the game to the reserve day. At the end of the day, Gazi head coach Mohammad Salauddin told Dhaka Tribune: “Nasir [Hossain] has been a brilliant captain. He won matches for the team single handedly, thus motivating the others to contribute.” In eight innings this season, Nasir has scored 480 with a staggering average of 240, having remained unbeaten in six games. He has blasted two centuries and three half-centuries. The task for Gazi this year was made easy by their bowling attack, claimed Salauddin. With 35 scalps, pacer Abu Haider Rony is currently the highest wicket-taker this season. “Our bowlers were vital behind winning the championship this season. Despite the harsh weather (high temperature), they made sure of delivering their best for the team. We had many national discards and current national players in the team and this worked as magic,” said Salauddin. “They had the will to perform and that got us the momentum,” he added. Meanwhile in the Abahani game, Jamal opted to bat first, registering 162 on the board for the loss of seven wickets in 30.4 overs. No 3 batsman Mahbubul Karim scored 60 to top the innings while Abahani spinner Afif Hossain picked up five wickets. In reply, Abahani were set a revised target of 124 in 20 overs and the Sky Blues faced little problems overhauling the target as they reached their destination in 17.2 overs. Abahani opener Saif Hasan struck a 40-ball 51. Yesterday's third game between Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited and Prime Bank Cricket Club was also forced to the reserve day due to rain. Mohammedan batted 43.3 overs and lost six wickets for their 187 before rain stopped play.BRIEF SCORESAbahani 124/4 in 17.2 overs (Saif 51, Shadman 33) beat Jamal 162/7 in 30.4 overs (Mahbubul 60, Afif 5/32) by six wickets (D/L method)Gazi 142/5 in 33 overs (Jahurul 50*, Mominul 38) v DoleshwarMohammedan 187/6 in 43.3 overs (Milon 53, Shamsur 34) v Prime THURSDAY'S MATCHKhelaghar v Victoria, Fatullah SUPER LEAGUE POINTS TABLETeams M W L PtsAbahani 16 12 4 24Gazi 15 12 3 24Doleshwar 15 11 4 22Prime 15 9 6 18Mohammedan 15 8 7 16Jamal 16 7 9 14