222 reasons to smile

A little-known batsman by the name of Azmir Ahmed hogged the spotlight yesterday as the right-hander smacked a double-hundred in the Dhaka First Division Super League match at the BKSP-4 ground. The right-hander smashed 16 fours and as many sixes during his unbeaten 168-ball 222 as Agrani Bank Cricket Club (383-5) outplayed Udayachal Club (197-6) by a massive 186 runs.

“My maiden hundred is a double-hundred, so you can understand my excitement. A double-hundred was not in my mind till I reached my 150 in 42 overs. I completed my hundred in 30 overs and then when I reached 150, my teammates and officials advised me to go for the kill and the wicket was also good for batting,” an excited Azmir told The Daily Star over phone.

“I tried last year for a Premier League team but nobody showed interest, even though I scored 500 runs last season for Agrani Bank. So my immediate dream is to play the Premier League but I will try my best to play at the top level like my friend Taskin Ahmed. It is my coach and mentor Anwar Hossain Chowdhury who has been doing everything for me to be where I am,” he added.

As there is no practice of keeping domestic records, it is almost impossible to be certain about where his achievement stands but an organiser informed that a double-century in 50-over domestic competition is nothing new as current national opener Imrul Kayes reached the mark during his first appearance in the third division qualifiers.

In the day's other matches, Rupganj Tigers (321-7) outclassed Kalindi Krira Chakra (116 all out) by 205 runs at JUG, Orient Sporting Club (248-6) defeated Surjo Torun Club (199-9) by 49 runs at Fatullah and Kakrail Boys Club (216-5) beat Shinepukur Cricket Club (215-6) by five wickets at BKSP-3.