Shinepukur bolster DPL super league hopes

Irfan Shukkur hit a 75-ball 84 as Shinepukur Cricket Club bolstered its super league hopes in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) with a 80-run victory over Gazi Group Cricketers by DLS method at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city on Sunday, reports BSS.
This was Shinepukur's sixth victory in nine matches which took them in fourth position, overtaking mighty Prime Bank Cricket Club, courtesy to net run-rate.
Abahani Limited has been in top position with nine victories in nine matches while Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and Mohammedan Sporting Club occupied next two spots with seven wins from nine matches.
In a rain-hit game, that was reduced to 43 overs, Shinepukur which was put into bat first, compiled 242-8 with Shukkur giving the impetus.
Shukkur struck eight fours and two sixes for his 84 which propelled the side to a strong position.
However, Khalid Hasan gave a platform by scoring 63 off 99, hitting five fours and one six. Pacer Nahid Rana, who made an impressive debut to national team in Test series against Sri Lanka, claimed 4-54 as Gazi Group were bowled out for 161 in 35 overs. Sabbir Hossain was the top-scorer for the side with 33 while Moin Khan made 20.
In the day's other match, City Club beat Partex Sporting Club by two wickets by DLS method at BKSP-4 ground for their second victory in DPL.
Partex amassed 208-9 in a game reduced to 42 overs, which City Club overhauled with two balls to spare by reaching 210-8.
In another match, Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club finally were able to snap its eight-match losing streak in the DPL after beating Brothers Union by 31 runs through DLS method at BKSP-3 ground on Sunday.
Captain Shamsur Rahman Shuvo, a former national player, led Rupganj from the front to claim the victory.
Shuvo struck 57 off 80 with two fours and one six as Rupganj Tigers put up just 149 in 39.1 overs after the match was reduced to 43 overs due to rain and badlight.
But they defended the total astutely, thanks to bowler Abu Hasim who snapped up 4-26 to play a vital role in wrapping Brothers union up for just 116 in 39.2 overs.
Wicket-keeper Abdul Majid made the team-high 28 while opener Imtiaz Hossain scored 22.