Ankon ton trumps Saif, Taibur to lead Mohammedan to victory

Wicket-keeper batter Mohidul Islam Ankan hit a century as Mohammedan Sporting Club overcame Shiekh Jamal Dhanmondi Cricket Club by five wickets in their opening game of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) Super League phase at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah today. Put into bat first, Sheikh Jamal compiled 259-2, thanks to century from Saif Hassan and Taibur Rahman but that was not enough to seal the deal for them as Ankon trumped both of them with his 101 which helped Mohammedan overhaul the target by amassing 263-5 in 49.4 overs. Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad played a vital role in winning the game for Mohammedan with 87 not out. Before being retired hurt opener Saif made 120 off 146 with seven fours and six sixes while Taibur was not out on 102 after playing 114 balls. Their slow paced innings indeed proved to be key in their defeat eventually. In the day's other match, Shinepukur Cricket Club prevailed in low scoring affair, edging Gazi Group Cricketers past by 13 runs at BKSP-3 ground. Opting to b at first, Shinepukur was skittled out for just 138 runs in 34.5 overs but they were able to defend the total when Gazi Group collapsed to lose seven wickets for 42 runs and were wrapped up for 125 in 27.4 overs. Gazi Group were on course of the victory when they reached 83-2 in just 14th over with Habibur Rahman Sohan making a carnage by smashing the bowlers at will. Habibur however was dismissed after striking a jaw-dropping 19 ball-44 which included four fours and as many sixes and Gazi tasted a sensational collapse to lose the game eventually. Leg spinner Rishad Hossain snared 4-32 to hasten the collapse while Arafat Sunny took 3-45. Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha