Mizanur, Zakir outgun Naim’s Abahani

Mohammad Naim punched the air in celebration upon reaching his ton yesterday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur against newly-promoted Rupganj Tigers in the first day's fixture of the Dhaka Premier League.

The batter had been lacking in runs in the T20 format recently, domestically and for the national team, and the relief he felt after getting some much-needed confidence by coming into some runs with a big knock was apparent.

However, neither him nor his side Abahani Limited had the last laugh as the defending champions slumped to a surprise defeat by a big margin, losing by seven wickets against a side playing their first-ever DPL match.

If it was a show of power between the two sides' openers, Rupganj Tigers came up trumps as Zakir Hasan and Mizanur Rahman assailed the challenge posed by Abahani bowlers on a pitch that became easier to bat on as the day progressed.

Mizanur pulled one in front of square for four from a Kamrul Rabbi delivery in the second over before Zakir's cover drive in the same over showed their composure early. The duo found boundaries early every other over and dominated proceedings in chase of Abahani's challenging 255 for nine.

Mizanur was the aggressor during an 82-ball 93, laced with 12 fours and three sixes. He and Zakir put on 166 for the opening stand before Mizanur departed to an ill-conceived scoop off Rabbi. Zakir carried on, hitting Mosaddek Hossain for four over mid-wicket to bring up his first List-A ton in 76 innings.

He departed with his side close to the win, getting an inside-edge onto his stumps after a 116-ball 117. Skipper Marshal Ayub's unbeaten 23 then saw them coast to win with seven wickets and eight overs to spare.

Earlier, Abahani were in early trouble against pacers Shafiqul Islam and Mukidul Islam Mugdho, slumping to 48 for four inside 13 overs.

Naim stitched a vital 77-run partnership with skipper Mosaddek, who struck 37 off 58. Shamim Hossain then fell to a Mohammad Sharifullah delivery but Naim was able to accelerate late on in the innings, finding boundaries against Shafiqul to complete his ton. He fell to Forhad Reza after a brilliant catch in the deep from Ariful Haque after a 132-ball 115, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. Mohammad Saifuddin's steady 40 saw Abahani manage 255 for nine, but ultimately it was not enough.

In the other match at BKSP, Prime Bank posted 265 for eight courtesy of Anamul Haque's 60 and Shamsur Rahman and Alok Kapali's 40-odd knocks. Mahedi Hasan clinched wickets at the top to finish with three for 53 as Prime Bank won by 50 runs.

Legends of Rupganj picked up a big 147-run win against Gazi Group Cricketers after posting 291 for seven, thanks to skipper Naeem Islam's 92. Sabbir Rahman made a quickfire 42 off 25 deliveries later down the order. Qazi Onik picked up three for 36 as Gazi Group were bowled out for 144.