Prime Bank, Abahani look to consolidate

As the second round of the Dhaka Premier League's Super Sixes unfolds today, league leaders Abahani and Prime Bank Cricket Club, have the opportunity of virtually cutting out the rest of the four sides from the competition.

Nasir Hossain's Abahani and Mahmudullah Riyad-led Prime Bank CC have 20 points each, four points clear of third-placed Prime Doleshwar—led by Mushfiqur Rahim. While Abahani face Shakib Al Hasan's Legends of Rupganj at Fatullah, Prime Bank CC is set to play against Prime Doleshwar at Mirpur.

A defeat for Legends would rule them out of a chance of winning the competition as they currently have just 14 points. Prime's battle will be as crucial since Doleshwar, at 16 points, will want to close the gap on the league leaders.

The third game of the day is between Anamul Haque's Kalabagan Cricket Academy and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza's Mohammedan Sporting Club at the BKSP.

The match between Abahani and Legends has plenty to offer for a number of reasons. Legends chairman, Lutfur Rahman Badal, who was banned by the CCDM, was earlier criticised Abahani officials and blamed a number of them for manipulating the umpires. The 'icy' relationship between the team managements, in a way, makes this a must-win match for both clubs.

The other aspect of course is Nasir Hossain's return to form. Handed the captaincy following his heroic half-century in the last match, Nasir will be in the spotlight again as the selectors look to finalise the World Cup squad. The other player that Legends will have to watch out for is Liton Kumar Das. The highest run-getter of the tournament thus far has been quiet in the last two matches and he will be looking to get back to his scoring ways.

Without Tamim Iqbal and a string of out-of-form players, Legends seem to be in a bit of a quandary. They have got the players, but they have just not been able to perform. They will once again be depending upon Shakib to do the damage.

The battle at Mirpur is expected to be more evenly matched with players from both sides peaking at the right time. Prime Doleshwar's Rony Talukdar scored two consecutive centuries and seems to be the player to watch. Even apart from him, there will be Mehedi Maruf, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim to deal with.

Prime Bank Cricket Club on the other hand will be hoping to ride their bowling attack with the likes of Taijul Islam, Enamul Haque Jr and Taskin Ahmed rolling in the wickets.

Mohammedan will be looking to recover from the heart-breaking defeat to Abahani in the last game. They had sent back Abahani's top order and needed to defend just 40-odd runs in the last four overs. It was a game they thought they had in the bag.

However, Nasir Hossain's majestic innings changed the game. In order to come back they will need their top order to fire. Ariful Haque has scores of 109 and 83 in the last two games and he will be the player to watch. Kalabagan, on the other hand will be hoping that their national recruits, Anamul Haque and Sabbir Rahman give them a good score to defend.