When Kalabagan play, most of the eyes are on Ashraful. After all, despite all the controversies that surround him, he is still a star player in Bangladesh. After winning the toss and deciding to bowl first, Gazi group started brilliantly.

Within 23 runs, Kalabagan were reeling with the loss of three wickets—one of which was of Mohammad Ashraful. The former Bangladesh captain could only put up 8 runs before being sent back to the pavilion by Kamrul Islam Rabbi.

It was not the only victim of Rabbi as opener Jashimuddin also fell prey to the pacer. After the loss of three wickets, Kalabagan were in a difficult position, but a partnership between Akbar-ur Rahman and Taibur Rahman took the team to 124, before the latter fell to Mominul Haque’s deceptive offies.

Taibur made 50 while his partner Akbar was bowled after making 80 runs. Mahmudul Hasan scored 34 in the deep with Muktar Ali and Abul Hasan scoring 19 runs each to take the score to 232 with the loss of 7 wickets.

For the bowlers, Kamrul Islam Rabbi, Dolar Mahmud and Rajat Bhatia took two wickets each with Mominul Haque picking up one scalp to put in a good shift.

In response, Gazi Group started well with a 40 runs partnership between Jahurul Islam and Imrul Kayes. The former lost his wicket to Sanjit Saha for 17 runs after playing 31 balls. Mominul Haque was the next to go as he made just 6 runs from 24 balls.

Meanwhile, Imrul Kayes scored a well-paced half century before losing his wicket to Mahmudul Hasan for 74 after playing 78 balls. After his departure, none of the Gazi Group batsmen could shoulder responsibility as only Nuruzzaman could make 29 runs to from 43 balls.

The rest of the lot came up with a sorry display as Gazi Group crumbled for 177 in 45.1 overs.

Akbar-ur-Rahman, who was the pick of the batsmen, was also the pick of the bowlers, taking 4 wickets in the 8.1 overs that he bowled. He was supported by Sanjit Saha’s 3 wickets, Mahmudul Hasan’s 2 wickets and Rahatul Ferdous’ 1 wicket as KKC won by 55 runs.

Scores:

Kalabagan Krira Chakra – 232/7 after 50 overs
Gazi Group Cricketers – 177 all-out after 47.1 overs