Abahani Limited achieved the goal of becoming unbeaten champions in the Dhaka Premier League after beating Shinepukur Cricket Club by four wickets, thanks to a century from Anamul Haque Bijoy at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Monday.
The Dhanmondi outfit had earlier confirmed the title with two matches in hand and from then their target was to keep themselves unbeaten till the end of the league.
It was not easy, considering that they had to play the last two games without as many as 10 first choice players, who were included in the national squad for the five-match Twenty20 series against Zimbabwe.
But they overcame it brilliantly to prove their worth as a true champion.
Overall they won 16 games, including 11 in the group phase, to finish the league unbeaten.
Opting to bat first, Shinepukur put up 234/8 with Amit Hasan hitting highest 77.
Opener Khalid Hasan made 58 while Irfan Sukkur scored 33 before getting retired hurt.
Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan stifled Shinepukur, claiming 3/29.
Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, who stood as captain in the absence of Nazmul Hossain Shanto, and Abdul Rowshan gave Rakibul able support, grabbing two wickets apiece.
Abahani made a horrible start, losing two wickets to get reduced to 30/2 in the eighth over.
But Anamul, who came to bat at No 3, steadied the innings and led the side to the shore, hammering an undefeated 110 off 120 with seven fours and four sixes as Abahani raced to victory, reaching 235/6 in 46.1 overs.
Saikat made 29 while Majrahul Islam Sagor scored 23.
Abahani’s archrivals Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd defended 176 astutely to secure a 53-run win against Gazi Group Cricketers at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan-3 ground in the day’s other match.
Mohammedan finished as DPL runners-up.
The Motijheel outfit won eight out off 11 in the group phase.
In the Super League phase, they registered wins in four games and lost only once, to eventual champions Abahani.
Put in to bat first, Mohammedan were bowled out for 176 in 47.2 overs.
Mehedi Hasan Miraz made team-best 44 while Rony Talukdar scored 39.
However they came up with unwavering resolve in bowling to bundle Gazi Group out for just 123 in 32.1 overs.
Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan snapped up 3/27.
Other two spinners Miraz and Nasum Ahmed and pacer Mushfik Hasan took two wickets apiece.
SUPER LEAGUE
Shinepukur 234/8 (Amit 77, Khalid 58) lost to Abahani 235/6 in 46.1 overs (Anamul 110*, Naeem 2/36) by 4 wickets
Mohammedan 176 in 47.3 overs (Miraz 44, Wasi 4/42) beat Gazi Group 123 in 32.1 overs (Masum 29, Nayeem 3/27) by 53 runs
