Cricket

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) is witnessing a thrilling season as Abahani Limited continues its winning streak, while other teams vie for supremacy.Abahani has emerged as the frontrunner, securing six consecutive victories. Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club, Legends of Rupganj, and Mohammedan Sporting Club trail closely with 10 points each, separated only by net run rate.Veteran players have stepped up their game, with Shakib Al Hasan contributing a fifty and three wickets for Sheikh Jamal. Tamim Iqbal has impressed with three consecutive fifties for Prime Bank Cricket Club. Mashrafe Mortaza surprised with a five-wicket haul in List-A cricket, his eighth such feat.Parvez Hossain Emon leads the batting charts with three centuries, followed by Mohammedan's Mahidul Islam Ankon. Ankon has also scored three fifties, while Tamim and Emon have each added a century to their tally. Towhid Hridoy's unbeaten 125 for Abahani against Rupganj Tigers was a standout performance.Maruf Mridha, a young left-arm quick, has emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps. Mashrafe's five-wicket haul and Tanvir Islam's six-wicket haul for Abahani against Brothers Union are other notable bowling performances.Mohammedan's one-wicket victory over Prime Bank could prove crucial in the title race. Prime Bank's openers Emon and Tamim, along with Sabbir Rahman, set a strong foundation with a 218-run partnership. However, Mohammedan's Abu Hider guided his team to victory with a 36-ball 54.Abahani remains the dominant force, but Mohammedan and Sheikh Jamal pose significant challenges. Rupganj Tigers and City Club remain winless, while Partex Sporting Club, Gazi Tyres, and Brothers Union have secured their first victories.Players to watch include allrounder Ariful Islam, left-arm spinner Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, and Maruf Mridha. Emon's consistency and Ankon's steady rise are also noteworthy.