Agency :
Defending champions Abahani bounced back in style after a disappointing start to the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), securing a massive 162-run victory over Gulshan Cricket Club at BKSP Ground No. 4 on Thursday.
Winning the toss, Gulshan opted to field first, but Abahani’s batting lineup flourished. Opener Parvez Hossain Emon, who was part of Bangladesh’s Champions Trophy squad but didn’t get a game, made the most of his opportunity.
After scoring a fifty in the previous match against Agrani Bank, Emon went on to smash a brilliant century today, scoring 126 off 124 balls with nine fours and eight sixes.
Mohammad Mithun also played a crucial role, scoring 72 off 65 balls, while late contributions from Mosaddek Hossain (35 off 28) and Mahfizur Rahman (28 off 14) propelled Abahani to a commanding total of 323/6. Gulshan’s Asaduzzaman Payel was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 65 runs in his 10 overs. Gulshan Cricket Club, who had stunned Mohammedan in their previous match, failed to put up a fight this time.
Their openers attempted a quick start, with Jawad Abrar smashing 36 off 18 balls, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Liton Das, playing his first match, managed only 14 runs off 21 balls before falling to Rakibul Hasan.
Khaled Hasan was the top scorer for Gulshan with 49 off 54 balls, but the team was eventually bowled out for 161. Abahani’s Rakibul Hasan (4/40) and Mrittunjoy Chowdhury (3/29) led the bowling attack to secure the dominant win.
Mohammedan Sporting Club secured their first victory in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL), defeating Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club by seven wickets at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.
Mohammedan, which was stunned by newcomer Gulshan Cricket Club by 107 runs in the opening game, rode on half-centuries from Mahidul Islam Ankon and Towhid Hridoy to return to winning ways.
