Shakib misfires with bat, yet Mohammedan thrive

Shakib Al Hasan could not live up to his reputation with the bat on his return to Mohammedan Sporting Club today, but the traditional powerhouse amassed their highest total in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL).

At the BKSP ground in Savar, Mohammedan tallied 290 against Sheikh Jamal DC in 50 overs, surpassing 235 -- their previous highest total of the season. 

Alongside Shakib, all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz and opening batter Rony Talukdar joined Mohammedan a day after being part of the T20I series finale against Ireland in Chattogram, and the latter – who displayed impressive form for the Tigers in Chattogram – found himself among runs.

The right-handed opener laid the foundation for his side with a 79-run stand inside 17th over with experienced Imrul Kayes, who went on to score 86 off 101 balls, laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes. Rony scored 32 off 44 deliveries.

Imrul also had good company in former Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah Riyad, as the two stitched 73 runs for the fourth wicket, after Miraz and Shakib departed in quick succession following Rony's dismissal.

Shakib had wished to play for his Indian Premier League team Kolkata Knight Riders from the start of the 2023 campaign, beginning today. The star cricketer would have been on his way to India already had the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) not denied the Bangladesh skipper, and his Test deputy Liton Das as well, a No Certificate Objection (NOC) to skip the Ireland Test, slated for April 4.

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No late plot twist as Shakib signs for Mohammedan

Before he could get going, the ace all-rounder was undone by Indian off-spinner Parvez Rasool, mistimed a flick to get caught at midwicket by Tawhid Hridoy. Shakib's nine-ball five, however, did not hinder Mohammedan's flow of runs.

Following Imrul-Riyad's partnership, Ariful Islam and Jake Lintott stepped up the ante. Ariful struck four sixes for his 31-ball 39, while the English all-rounder scored a 10-ball 24 as Mohammedan gave Sheikh Jamal a tough nut to crack in their chase. However, the Dhanmondi-based club have started their chase well: at 83 for naught after 18 overs, with Saif Hassan and Saykat Ali batting on 57 and 26, respectively.