Abahani Limited continued their dominant run in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), securing a convincing 52-run victory over City Club at the BKSP-4 ground on Sunday. This marks their fifth consecutive win in the tournament.
Batting first, Abahani posted a moderate total of 217 runs on the board, losing seven wickets in the process. Naim Sheikh provided much-needed stability at the top of the order, scoring a gritty 54 runs off 79 balls with seven boundaries and a six. His knock helped Abahani navigate a potentially tricky phase.
Later, Afif Hossain took over the mantle, providing a crucial finishing touch with a well-compiled 67 off 83 deliveries. His knock, which included a solitary four and three sixes, propelled Abahani past the 200-run mark, giving their bowlers a defendable target.
Abahani's bowlers then rose to the occasion, bowling with discipline and accuracy. Saifuddin and captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat emerged as the bowling heroes, claiming three wickets each. City Club's batsmen were restricted to a mere 165 runs in 40.5 overs, falling well short of the target. Irfan Hossain (31 runs) and Moinul Islam (30 runs) were the only batsmen who showed some resistance for City Club.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Gazi Group Cricketers and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club also maintained their winning ways. Gazi Group secured a comfortable six-wicket victory over Prime Bank Cricket Club at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah. Meanwhile, Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, featuring all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan who is preparing to rejoin the national team, defeated Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club by the same margin at the BKSP-3 ground. Shakib contributed 34 runs and a wicket to his team's victory.