||CF Correspondent||

Holders Abahani Limited moved to the top of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) point table solely after sealing their third straight victory with a hard-fought 14-run victory over Brothers Union at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium here today.

Brothers’ new sensation Yasir Ali threatened to take the match with an unbeaten 106 but Abahani held the lever towards the end to maintain their hundred per cent winning rate in the tournament.

In a low-scoring affair, Ziaur Raham shined in with both batting and bowling to help his side Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club secure its first victory in the third match as they beat Shinepukur Cricket Club by 12 runs at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatuallh.

Elsewhere at BKSP-3, opener Anamul Haque struck a 100 not out to script his side Prime Bank Cricket Club’s facile nine-wicket win over Legends of Rupganj.

Abahani Limited vs Brothers Union

In Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s first competitive match since the ODI series against New Zealand, Abahani piled up a competitive 236-6 in a slow Mirpur wicket. Yasir Ali kept Brother Union in the hunt but lacked support from the other end that eventually restricted them to 222-8.

Yasir was unbeaten on 106 off 112, hitting eight fours and two sixes. The next best was Shorifullah’s 21, which indicated how one-man show was the chase was against a mighty side, who is eying to retain the title.

Mohammad Saifuddin was the top-scorer for Abahani with a whirlwind 45 ball-59 not out, that included four fours and two sixes. Skipper Mosaddek Hossain contributed with 54.

Saifuddin and Mashrafe who blasted 15 ball-26 not out, added 62 off just 32 balls to give the late blitz after Abahani top and middle order failed to pace the innings adequately in a slow and low pitch in Mirpur. Mashrafe also took 2-39 on his return while Sabbir Rahman finished with 2-21.

Brief Score:

Abahani Limited: 236/6

Saifuddin 59*, Mosaddek 54, Nazmul 44; Naeem Jnr 2-28, Mehedi 2-58

Brother Union: 222/8

Yasir Ali 106*, Saifullah 21; Sabbir 2-21, Mashrafe 2-39

Abahani won by 14 runs

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club vs Shinepurkur Cricket Club

In a match that was reduced to a 46-over affair due to inclement weather, Sheikh Jamal was shot out for 106 in 35.1 overs and stood on the brink of third straight defeat. However, Ziaur Rahman in a sensational spell recorded his List The best bowling figure, claiming 5-23, which stunned Shinepukur as they were skittled out for 94 in 29 overs.

Ziaur earlier also saved the Jamal from ultimate shamble, hitting 41 off 58 with two fours and two sixes in a pitch where runs making were tougher one. Jamal’s Indian recruit Puneet Bisht was the next best scorer with 22.

Ziaur’s third career five-for was complemented by pacer Salauddin Shakil’s 4-21, also his personal best. Shinepukur began well in pursuit of a paltry target with their openers Uday Kaul and Sabbir Hossain sharing 46 runs for the opening stand. But when Ziaur made the breakthrough, removing Sabbir for 26, they tasted a sensational collapse in the face of some superb seam bowling display of Ziaur and Shakil.

Brief Score

Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club: 106

Ziaur 41, Puneet 22; Sabbir 4-28, Shoriful 3-20

Shinepukur Cricket Club: 94

Sabbir 27; Ziaur 5-23, Salauddin 4-21

Sheikh Jamal won by 12 runs