Dhaka: Mohammedan Sporting Club’s hope to seal the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) after two decades was bolstered further after they outclassed archrivals Abahani Limited by 39 runs at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, opener Anisul Islam Emon led the much-needed victory with a 114 off 118, an innings decorated with 18 fours and two sixes. Both Abahani and Mohammedan finished the group phase with 18 points from 11 matches, but defending champions Abahani still occupy the top spot due to a better run rate.
Put into bat first, Mohammedan were bowled out for 264 in 48.2 overs, despite the aggressive century of Anisur. However, the bowlers defended the total by dismissing Abahani for 225 in 47.2 overs, with fast bowler Ebadot Hossain leading the way, having scalped 4-36. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (2-31) and Saifuddin (2-44) picked up two wickets apiece to provide support.
Mohammedan lost opener Rony Talukdar for 16 before Anisul, well complemented by Mahidul Islam Ankon, put the side back on track with a 123-run partnership for the second wicket. The partnership was key to achieving a substantial total. Ankon made 48 off 55 with five fours and one six before being bowled out by Rakibul Hasan.
Rakibul, along with Mrittunjoy Chowdhury and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, triggered a collapse in Mohammedan’s middle order, but Anisul remained unfazed and kept the runs flowing. He was the fifth batter out when pacer Nahid Rana had him caught by Jishan Alam. After his departure, Mohammedan added just 33 runs in 10 overs before being all out. Nahid finished with 3-49, while Mrittunjoy, Rakibul, and Mahfuzur took two wickets apiece.
Abahani lost in-form opener Parvez Hossain (16) and Jishan Alam (3) cheaply before skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto took the responsibility to drive the side. However, no one provided handy support for the skipper, contributing to Abahani’s defeat to their old foes. Shanto top-scored for the side with an 80 off 113 balls, hitting seven boundaries.