Defending champions Abahani Limited stayed on course of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title by securing their third straight victory in the Super League phase as they recorded an effortless six-wicket victory over Prime Bank Cricket Club at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Mohammad Saifuddin continued his good bowling form, claiming his second five-for in List A cricket to help Abahani bundle Prime Bank out for 226 in 49.3 overs. Abahani, however, cantered to the victory by making 228-4 in 44.4 overs.
This was indeed a sweet revenge for Abahani who lost to Prime Bank in the group phase match by 16 runs.
Abahani remained in second spot with 22 points, two points adrift of the league leaders Legends of Rupganj and need to win the rest of the two matches to retain the title.
In the first match of the Super League, Saifuddin snapped up his career-best 5-9. He couldn’t eclipse the record but showed as to why he is considered as the best weapon for Bangladesh in the upcoming World Cup.
He returned figures of 5-32 to dismantle the Prime Bank’s top order after they were sent to bat first. Along with Saifuddin, Mashrafe Bin Mortaza also dazzled with 2-50 to leave Prime Bank in a precarious 66-6. Alok Kapali and Nayeem Hasan saved the side from ultimate shamble sharing 108 runs which finally enabled them to go past 200 runs mark that looked unlikely at one phase.
