Abahani extend winning run

Ziaur Rahman smacked nine sixes and six fours during his blazing 103-run knock that brought him the man-of-the match award, but his individual brilliance could not save Shekih Jamal DC from a five-wicket defeat at the hands of Mohammedan SC in their Dhaka Premier Division Cricket Super League clash at BKSP yesterday.

Ziaur's brilliant batting effort went in vain as there were no other notable contributors, with number ten batsman Mahmudul Haque making the second-highest, an unbeaten 22, as Sheikh Jamal were bundled out for 197.

In reply, an 86-run opening partnership between Shamsur Rahman and Saikat Ali provided the foundation for Mohammedan to reach the target comfortably. Shamsur made 59 off 58 with six fours and two sixes while Saikat added 37 off 36 with six fours and one six. Rony Talukdar (32) and Bipul Sharma (38) were the other notable scorers.

While Mohammedan moved to 16 points after the win, defending champions Abahani continued their winning run with a seven-wicket victory over Prime Doleshwar at BKSP and remain on top with 22 points.

Marshall Ayub scored a team-high 57, hitting just one boundary during his 83-ball stay, as Prime Doleshwar scored a meagre 189 runs.

In reply, Abahani lost in-form opener Liton Das for only nine runs but a 132-run second wicket partnership between Shadman Islam and Saif Hassan helped the team reach the target with ease. Shadman hit 65 off 78 balls, smashing four boundaries and a six, while Saif contributed 80 off 97 balls with nine fours and two sixes.

The result saw Prime Doleshwar remain on 20 points, while Jamal stayed rooted to the bottom with 14 points.

The match between Prime Bank and Gazi Group Cricketers at Fatullah was washed out after just four balls being bowled. The match will resume today with Prime Bank coming to bat at zero for one. Abu Hider sent Mehedi Maruf back to the dressing room after the start of the match, which was delayed by almost two hours due to rain.

SCORES IN BRIEF

PRIME DOLESHWAR: 189-9 in 50 overs (Imtiaz 27, Marshall 57; Jayed 3-42, Saifuddin 2-31, Manan 2-30)

ABAHANI: 193-3 in 36.3 overs (Shadman 65, Saif 80; Habibur 2-66)

Result: Abahani won by seven wickets.

Player-of-the-match: Saif Hassan

SHEIKH JAMAL: 197 all out in 45 overs (Ziaur 103, Mahmudul 22 not out; Shubhashis 2-25, Sajedul 2-37, Taijul 3-49)

MOHAMMEDAN: 201-5 in 30.2 overs (Shamsur 59, Saikat 37, Rony 32, Bipul 38; Sunny 2-48)

Result: Mohammedan Sporting Club won by five wickets.

Player-of-the-match: Ziaur Rahman.