Afif Hossain struck his first century in this season while Pakistan recruit Khushdil Shah claimed six wickets in a gem of bowling as Abahani Limited retained their top spot in Dhaka Premier League with a facile 42-run win over Prime Bank Cricket Club in their second match of the super league phase at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium today.
Prime Bank were expected to give Abahani a tough fight after coming off with a 173-run victory against Legends of Rupganj in the previous game. Abahani however beat their archrivals Mohammedan by a narrow 8-run margin in the last game but hardly gave Prime Bank any chance to put up a fight.
Afif Hossain struck an unbeaten 111 off 101 with six fours and five sixes to help Abahani post a decent 285-5, a score that they defended comprehensively, thanks to Khushdil Shah's 6-49. His bowling indeed bundled Prime Bank out for 243 in 45.4 overs.
Anamul Haque Bijoy and Naim Sheikh the two openers of Abahani who enjoyed a superb form in the group phase, failed to make in big in super league but still provided the side a 55-run partnership after Abahani were asked to bat first.
Bijoy made 31 while Naim scored 26 before both of them got out in quick succession.
Afif held firm and got an ably support from skipper Mosaddek Hossain Saikat as they duo combined for a 140-run partnership for the fourth wicket to help Abahani reach a strong position. Mosaddek hit four fours and as many sixes in his 76 ball-67.
Mahedi Hasan and Kashif Bhatt took two wickets apiece for Prime Bank which lost opener Shahadat Hossain Dipu (5) cheaply while chasing the target.
Zakir Hasan, fresh from a century in the previous game and Prantik Nowrose Nabil kept the side in the hunt until leg-spinner Rishad broke through with the wicket of Zakir who made 57.
Khushdil then got into act and scythed down the middle order in a gem of bowling. Nabil who made team-best 57 was also the victim of Khushdil.
In the day's other match, Legends of Rupganj edged Gazi Group Cricketers by four wickets while Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club thrashed Mohammedan by 85 runs.
In the relegation league, Shinepukur Cricket Club beat Dhaka Leopards by five wickets. This was second defeat of Leopards after being beaten by Agrani Club by one wicket in the previous match, which ensured their relegation to first division. Agrani and Shinepukur will face off in the last game to confirm their stay in the DPL. The looser of the game will be relegated straightway.
Mohammedan vs Sheikh Jamal
Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club bounced back to winning way in the super league phase after beating Mohammedan Sporting Club by 85 runs through DLS method in a rain-hit game at BKSP-3 ground.
This was the defending champions Sheikh Jamal's first win in the super league, having been stunned by Gazi Group Cricketers by seven wickets in the previous match.
