A combined effort from Kalabagan CA’s Sabbir Rahman and Mahmudul Hasan overshadowed Nasir Hossain’s hundred and pushed Abahani Limited out of the Dhaka Premier League title race while Prime Bank CC and Prime Doleshwar claimed crucial wins to take the excitement to the last day of the league.
A scintillating century from Mehedi Maruf not only ensured an easy eight-wicket win for Doleshwar against Legends of Rupganj, but also increased their net run-rate which might eventually decide the league winners tomorrow.
Prime Bank, leading the chart with 24 points, will take on Abahani on the final match day tomorrow while Doleshwar on 22 points will be praying the Sky Blues beat the bankers and they win their match against Kalabagan.
Abahani v Kalabagan, SBNS
Nasir’s return in form was probably a relief for the selectors ahead of the World Cup, but his 98-ball 104 went in vain as Abahani failed to defend 247 at the home of cricket in Mirpur yesterday. Nasir struck 13 boundaries to continue his good run of form in the league.
However, Nasir’s competitor in the national team Sabbir out-shined the regular bowlers as the tricky leg-spinner, who sometimes even prefers the offies, bagged 6 for 43 runs to take notice of the selectors as well.
In reply, Mahmudul’s 82 off 107 balls was well complimented by a quickfire 44 from Irfan Shukkur as Kalabagan landed a one-wicket nerve wracking win in the last over.
Prime Bank v Mohammedan, BKSP-3
Mohammedan skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza made 62 with the bat and plunged four wickets but his heroics were not enough to secure a win as the Motijheel based club fell short by 20 runs during their 230-run chase which was majorly registered by Prime Bank on the back of Farhad Reza’s blistering 76.
Ariful Haque also scored 60, but there were no other contributors for Mohammedan who were bowled out for 210 with Mahmudullah, Farhad and Shuvagata Hom sharing seven wickets.
Earlier, Prime’s damage up front was repaired by Farhad who slammed eight fours and four sixes off 56 balls. Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar and Shuvagata also chipped in with scores in thirties before Prime were bundled out with two balls to spare.
Doleshwar vs Rupganj, Fatullah
Maruf’s 119-ball 118 and Mominul Haque’s 56 saw the title chasers reach their target of 222 with over 10 overs to spare.
Maruf in particular was attacking during his second century of the season and struck 14 fours and three sixes.
Earlier, Shakib al Hasan, who opened the batting and made 28, did not hesitate to bat on the chilly morning.
Pace bowling all-rounder Abul Hasan scored a half century while Nazmul Hossain Milon added 42 as Legends of Rupganj were restricted to 221 for nine in 50 overs. Delwar Hossain, Asif Ahmed and Elias Sunny took two wickets each for Doleshwar.
