Dhaka: Opener Azizul Hakim Tamim struck a scintillating century as Gulshan Cricket Club romped to a five-wicket win over Prime Bank Cricket Club in their last match of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) group phase today at BKSP-4 ground. While Gulshan moved to third spot of the league so far, Prime Bank’s slim hope to seal the Super Six phase was shattered after this defeat.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prime Bank could have kept their Super Six hopes alive had they won the game, but they came up with a poor batting show, being all out for 203 in 47.3 overs after opting to bat first. Gulshan overhauled the target by reaching 204-5 in just 37.1 overs, with Azizul Hakim Tamim hitting 106 off 105 balls, a knock laced with 10 fours and three sixes. His opening partner Zawad Abrar made 33 and shared a 71-run partnership with Hakim to lay a solid base that made the chase a cake-walk.
Hakim was the fourth batter out as the side was just 25 runs away from victory. Khalid Hasan, who scored the second-best 38 off 34 balls, sealed the deal. Pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana picked up 3-35, while Asaduzzaman Payel, Naeem Islam, and Nihad Uz Zaman grabbed two wickets apiece earlier to derail Prime Bank. Sazzadul Hoque Ripon was the top-scorer for the side with 51 not out, while captain Irfan Shukkur made 43. Opener Naim Sheikh, who enjoyed another good DPL season, finished with 618 runs and added 36 in what was his last match in the league. Naim is now the joint top-scorer with Anamul Haque Bijoy, who would have the chance to take the solo lead when his side, Gazi Group, takes the field tomorrow.
In another match at BKSP-3 ground, Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club beat Shinepukur Cricket Club by 28 runs. The victory raised their hopes to avoid the relegation league. The last three teams of the point table will play the relegation league, from which two teams will be relegated to the first division league. Shinepukur, however, was confirmed to play the relegation league after winning just one game in 11. Opener Abdul Majid hit 102 not out as Rupganj put up 250-6 after being sent to bat first. Mahmudul Hasan was the other notable scorer with 56. Mahmudul later took 4-31, and Jibon Ahmed bagged 3-48 to help the side bowl Shinepukur out for 222 in 48.1 overs. Rahim Ahmed made a team-high 53, while Moinul Islam Tonmoy and Sharear Sakib made 50 each.