Abahani Extends DPL Dominance, Secures Super League Berth

Abahani Limited's dominance in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) continues unabated as they extended their winning streak to 11 matches, crushing Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to secure their place in the Super League phase. With just three wins separating them from their 22nd DPL title, Abahani's supremacy remains unchallenged.

In the highly anticipated clash between the league's two wealthiest teams, Abahani's bowlers wreaked havoc, dismissing Sheikh Jamal for a paltry 88 runs, their lowest-ever score in the DPL. The meager target was chased down effortlessly by Abahani in just 10.2 overs without losing a wicket.

Shinepukur Cricket Club emerged as the second-placed team with eight wins, edging out Mohammedan Sporting Club and Sheikh Jamal on net run-rate. They secured their Super League berth with victories over Gazi Group Cricketers, Mohammedan, and Legends of Rupganj. Notably, this is Shinepukur's first appearance in the Super League phase.

Irfan Sukkur and Habibur Rahman Sohan emerged as the standout batters, guiding their respective teams, Shinepukur and Gazi Group, into the Super League. Irfan's unbeaten 106 against Rupganj and 84 against Gazi Group proved crucial, while Sohan's 55-ball 81 against Brothers Union and unbeaten 102 against City Club sealed Gazi Group's Super League spot.

Parvez Hossain Emon topped the batting charts with 585 runs at an average of 53.18, including three centuries. Mohammad Naim, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Saif Hassan, and Tamim Iqbal also featured among the top-five scorers.

On the bowling front, quick bowler Nahid Rana impressed with 12 wickets this week, including a five-wicket haul against Mohammedan and a four-for against Gazi Group. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed also claimed a five-for.

Left-arm quicks dominated the DPL's first phase, with Gazi Group's Ruyel Miah emerging as the leading wicket-taker with 25 wickets at an average of 14.76. Abu Hider and Maruf Mridha, both left-arm fast bowlers, ranked among the top four, while Ifran Hossain, a right-arm quick, finished sixth. Rishad Hossain, the legspinner, and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam completed the top five.

Abahani's dominance was evident in their high-scoring encounter against Prime Bank Cricket Club, where they amassed 341 for 4. Anamul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck centuries, while Towhid Hridoy contributed an unbeaten 65. Prime Bank's response of 283 fell short, with Taskin Ahmed and Tanjim Hasan Sakib claiming three wickets each.

In the relegation battle, Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy, City Club, and Rupganj Tigers will face off in the playoffs. Partex Sporting Club avoided relegation due to a superior net run-rate compared to Rupganj.

Among the young players who made their DPL debuts this season, Maruf Mridha stood out with 19 wickets for Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy. 16-year-old Nuhayel Sandeed became the first left-arm wristspinner to play List-A cricket in Bangladesh, taking two wickets on debut against Prime Bank, coached by his father Mohammad Salahuddin.

Tags: #DhakaPremierLeague, #Abahani, #SheikhJamal, #SuperLeague, #Cricket