The final match of the Walton Dhaka Premier League (DPL) between Gazi Tank and Prime Doleshwar turned out to be a decider for the league title at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today with both teams having 20 points after fourteen matches.
Two other matches will also be played as Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club take on Kalabagan CA played at the BKSP 2 ground while Mohammedan Sporting Club face Prime Bank CC at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.
The last few matches of the super league stage created much drama as Gazi Tank looked set to clinch the league but lost to Mohammedan by 54 runs in their last match while Doleshwar won their match against Kalabagan CA to keep their hopes alive.
Gazi Tank looked dominant right from the start of the league while Doleshwar’s total team effort helped them to reach the top. However, Gazi skipper Mahmudullah is confident of winning the match but is wary about the Doleshwar side. “They are a good side, but if we can play to our reputations, we can surely win the match and the title,” he said.
There were a few injury concerns for Gazi Tank. Their leading wicket-taker Arafat Sunny and the in-form Aftab Ahmed are suffering from injuries but the captain said both would be fit to play, “We had some injury concerns earlier with Sunny and Aftab but right now they are fit and will play in the next match.”
Gazi Tank will be looking for inspiration from their skipper Mahmudullah, who smashed a hundred in their last match, and their two foreign recruits, England’s Eion Morgan and Netherland’s Ryan ten Doeschate.
Doleshwar captain national discard Farhad Reza will be relying on national players Mominul Haque and Sohag Gazi as well as English cricketer Dawid Malan, who smashed century against Mohammedan in their last match. “Our main strength is our team spirit and unity. Gazi Tank is a big team on papers and I have full respect for them but on our day, we can beat any side,” said Farhad.
Meanwhile national skipper Mushfiqur Rahim will be looking to finish the league on a high for Sheikh Jamal after performing well in the super league, with useful batting contributions in almost every game. On the other hand, Kalabagan CA, who surprised everyone by reaching the super six stage, will look to their youngsters at the BKSP 2 ground today.
Mohammedan will also look to finish the league with a win and with national pacer MashrafeMortaza, in-form English cricketer Samit Patel and Sri Lankan batsman Upul Tharanga in their ranks, they have reason to be confident.
Meanwhile Prime Bank who played good cricket to reach the super six phase, failed to impress in the second round and will rely on English cricketer Ravi Bopara and the young Taibur Parvez to finish the league with a bang at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.
