Uttara survive, BKSP sink

Uttara Sporting Club retained their position in the Dhaka Premier League and also avoided relegation with a thrilling one-wicket win over Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protisthan (BKSP) in a Super League encounter at the Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah yesterday. In addition, the win meant that Brothers Union and BKSP were relegated from the league.

Medium pacer Abdur Rashid's five for 18 -- his career best figures in List A cricket -- helped bundle out BKSP for 144. After BKSP had elected to bat, Rashid picked up three quick wickets at the top that saw BKSP reeling on four for 24 in just 10.3 overs. However, Aminul Islam's 59 off 117 balls and skipper Akbar Ali's 26 helped BKSP avert the humiliation of a bellow 100 total.

After the exchange, Uttara experienced the same early hiccups as their counterparts, losing four of their top order inside seven overs while adding only 43. Although Uttara lost wickets at regular intervals, Manan Sharma's 52 in the middle alongside Abdul Gaffar's unbeaten 21 at the death ensured that Uttara came out on top.

SCORE IN BRIEF

BKSP V UTTARA SC

BKSP: 144 all out 49.4 overs (Aminul 59, Akbar 26; Rashid 5-18)

UTTARA: 147 for nine in 39.5 overs (Manan 52, Gaffar 21 not out; Tanzim 4-36)

Result: Uttara won by 1 wicket.

Player-of-the-match: Abdur Rashid.