Defending champions Abahani Limited demonstrated a ruthless performance to seal an overwhelming 132-run wins over Kheleghar Samaj Kallyan Samity in Dhaka Premier League (DPL) at BKSP-4 ground today.
By virtue of the victory, Abahani retained the top place with 14 points in eight games.
Being sent to bat first, Abahani put up 262 before being all out in 48.4 overs after which their spinners caught the Khelaghar in spin-web to skittle them for 130 in 32.5 overs.
Left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam led the way with 4-36, while playing his first DPL match, Mehidy Hasan Miraj and Nazmul Islam Apu claimed two wickets apiece.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto was the top-scorer for Abahani Limited with 60 off 79, sending the ball across the rope nine times while Sabbir Rahman blasted a run-a-ball-49, hitting seven fours.
The duo combined for a 93-run partnership for the third wicket stand to lay a solid platform in a pitch conducive to the bowlers.
Before snaring 2-18 with cherry, Mehidy Miraj also dazzled with batting as he struck 47 off 54, with two fours and one six to give the side a late impetus. Opener Jahurul Islam chipped-in-with 25.
Medium pacer Robiul Haque grabbed five wickets for Khelaghar but conceded 64 runs in 9.4 overs. Irfan Hossain bagged 3-42.
Khelaghar’s chase never got a momentum due to Abahani bowlers, specially their spinners and their disciplined bowling right from the start. Ariful Hasan made the initial breakthrough, claiming the wicket of Robiul Islam for naught after which the spinners took the control of the match.
