Sports Reporter :
Newcomers Rupganj Tigers overcame defending champions Dhaka Abahani Limited by seven wickets in their first match of the Bangabandhu Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city’s Mirpur on Tuesday.
Chasing Dhaka Abahani’s total of 255 for the loss of nine wickets in the allotted 50 overs, Rupganj Tigers overhauled the winning target in 42 overs making 259 for the loss of three wickets.
Rupganj Tigers had a formidable start with the two openers Mizanur Rahman and Zakir Hasan put on together 166 runs in the opening stand before Mizanur Rahman was bowled out by Kamrul Islam Rabbi.
Zakir Hasan hit a terrific 117. His 116-ball innings was studded with 15 fours and two sixes. Zakir was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding batting performance.
Mizanur Rahman was a victim of nervous nineties. He notched up a marvelous 93. He hit three sixes and 12 fours in his 82-ball knock.
After dismissal of Mizanur Rahman, Zakir Hasan and Baba Aparajith added together 37 runs in the second wicket stand before Baba Aparajith (11) was caught by Kamrul Islam Rabbi off Tanzim Hasan Sakib when Rupganj’s total was 203 for the loss of two wickets.
After Baba’s departure, Zakir Hasan and Marshall Ayub contributed together 45 runs for the third wicket partnership before Zakir Hasan was bowled out by Kamrul Islam Rabbi when Rupganj’s score was 248 for the loss of three wickets.
After Zakir Hasan’s dismissal, Marshall Ayub and Fazle Mahmud guided their team to reach the winning spot.
Marshall Ayub remained unbeaten with 23, while Fazle Mahmud remained unbeaten with 10 runs.
Kamrul Islam Rabbi bagged two wickets at the cost of 50 runs, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib got one wicket conceding 57 runs.
Earlier, opener Mohammad Naim hit a superb 115. His 132-ball innings saw 10 fours and two sixes.
Mohammad Saifuddin remained unbeaten with 40. His 43-ball knock had five fours.
Mosaddek Hossain hit a polished 37. He hit three fours in his 58-ball innings.
Mukidul Islam grabbed three wickets in the space of 51 runs, while Farhad Reza and Sharifullah bagged two wickets each for 40 runs each.
Baba Aparajith and Shafiqul Islam took one wicket each giving 38 and 55 runs respectively.
