National discard Liton Das continued his bad patch with the willow in Dhaka Premier League (DPL) too but his form mattered little for the defending champions Abahani Limited which sealed its third straight victory, thrashing Shinepukur Cricket Club by seven wickets on Sunday at BKSP-3 ground.
Liton who was dropped from the third ODI against Sri Lanka after bagging two consecutive ducks in the first two matches, came out of the 'duck' conundrum but was dismissed for just 5 off 19. He batted at No.3 position in this match, instead of the opening slot.
Sabbir Hossain and Naim Sheikh opened the innings for Abahani after their bowlers skittled Shinepukur out for just 169 in 42.4 overs. Naim Sheikh hit 66 and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was not out on 51 as Abahani raced to the victory in 34.1 overs with 172-3. Naim and Sabbir gave the side a 39-run stand before the later was dismissed for 15. Liton struggled thoroughly in his brief stay in the crease but Naim continued his stroke play to keep the scoreboard going.
Naim struck four fours and three sixes in his 87 ball-66. After his dismissal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Afif Hossain sailed the side home. Afif was not out on 25.
Earlier, Afif and pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed claimed three wickets apiece to wreck havoc on Shinepukur. Captain Akbar Ali top-scored with 55 while Meherob Hossain was unbeaten on 50 to give the bowlers something to defend.