Nazmul maintains Abahani supremacy
Nazmul Hossain Shanto hit a sublime unbeaten century as leaders Abahani finished their first-phase campaign on a high, defeating impressive promotees Shinepukur Cricket Club by 56 runs in a Dhaka Premier League game at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah yesterday.
Young left-handed batsman Nazmul struck 150 off only 120 balls as Abahani, sent into bat, posted a massive 335 for four in their share of 50 overs. Nazmul's undefeated knock contained nine massive sixes and as many boundaries. He was also involved in a fantastic 185-run stand for the second wicket with Saif Hassan, the young right-hander who scored 94 off 114 balls. Abahani captain Nasir Hossain chipped in with a quick-fire 45 off 24 balls.
Shinepukur, in their chase, turned up all guns blazing. But despite Fardeen Hasan's 104 and Towhid Hridoy's combative 83, they could muster just 279 for three. In the run-fest, experienced pace bowler and Bangladesh ODI captain Mashrafe Bin Mortaza picked up two wickets for 35 runs for Abahani. The defeat effectively dashed Shinepukur's chance of progressing into the Super League.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, holders Gazi Group confirmed their Super League berth with a four-wicket win against Prime Doleshwar, thanks to an all-round show from their Pakistani recruit Fawad Alam.
Fawad took three wickets for 39 runs as Prime Doleshwar posted a below-par 186 for nine in 50 overs. The left-hander then struck 46 as Gazi posted 189 for six in 38.5 overs. He shared a vital 62 runs for the sixth wicket with Jaker Ali (31 not out) after Gazi suffered a mini slump following the dismissal of opener Mahedi Hasan, who hit a 53-ball 59.
Gazi now have 12 points after their 11 first-phase games, standing in fifth position of the 12-team table.
The most entertaining game however was played at the BKSP in Savar where Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity pulled off a thrilling two-wicket win against Prime Bank.
Khelaghar went into the final over needing 12 runs. After a run out in the second ball bowled by Delwar Hossain, they were left to score 11 runs off four balls with two wickets standing when Masum Khan completed a Mahmudullah-esque act, hitting two boundaries including a four off the last ball as Khelaghar posted 263 for 8, chasing Prime Bank's 261. Masum remained unbeaten on a 23-ball 36. It was however left-handed Amit Majumder who put the chase on track with a fine 71 off 99 balls. It was also a game where Shoriful Islam took four wickets for 50 runs for Prime Bank.
With this win Khelaghar moved to third position with 14 points.
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