A devastating bowling display by Abahani’s Manan Sharma and Saqlain Sajib bowlers enabled them to record an emphatic five-wicket victory over their arch-rival Mohammedan Sporting Club Limited in a low scoring second round super league of Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League held on Saturday at BKSP ground no 3 in Savar.
Chasing a paltry winning target of 101 runs set by Mohammedan, Abahani Limited, rode on the blistering opening partnership of 61 runs in 5.2 overs, overtook the target making 104 in 15.3 overs with five wickets in hand.
Opener Liton Das came out to bat like a man possessed and hammered 50 off 22 balls that contained four boundaries and five over boundaries in his match-winning knock while another opener Shadman Islam supported him with a unbeaten knock of 24 runs.
Shamsur Rahman and Jubair Hossain were the picked of Mohammedan bowlers as they claimed two wickets apiece conceding 7 and 18 runs respectively.
Earlier, Saqlain Sajib threatened early inroad on Mohammedan’s innings picking up Abahani’s three top orders batsmen after the first wicket stand of 32 in 5.3 overs.
Mohammedan slipped 5-42 inside 11 overs and finally dismissed at a paltry total of 100 runs, after they opted to bat first.
Abahani’s Indian recruit Manan Sharma’s four wickets haul didn’t allow Mohammedan’s lower order to put up any resistance and Abahani managed to bowl out their rivals in just 33.4 overs.
Only five Mohammedan batsmen reached double digits with Shamsur Rahman top scoring with 23 runs from 22 balls.
Manan Sharma was the most successful bowler as he grabbed four Mohammedan’s wickets conceding 21 runs. He was well supported by Saqlain Sajib who picked up three wickets giving away 24 runs. He was named the player of the match for his impressive bowling performance.
Scores in brief:
Abahani Limited: 104/5 (15.3 overs)
Mohammedan Sporting Club: 100 (33.4 overs) (Liton 50, Shadman 24; Shamsur 2-7)
Result: Abahani Limited win by 5 wickets (with 207 balls remaining).
