Abahani secure DPDCL title with two matches remaining

Abahani Limited have claimed the title of the prestigious Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPDCL) with two matches still to play. Their 14 consecutive wins in the league further solidified their record-breaking number of titles, reports UNB.

In the latest Super League round, Abahani defeated Shiekh Jamal Dhanmondi Club by four wickets in Savar. Sheikh Jamal were the runners-up in the last season of the league.

Despite a depleted squad, with 10 core players joining the national team's preparatory camp ahead of a five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe in Chattogram, Abahani pulled through. After requesting the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB)'s cricket operation department for a one-day exemption, they were able to field national team players Afif Hossain, Tanvir Islam, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Two of them- Afif and Tanzim- played well and their performance was vital for Abahani's win.

This allowed Abahani to secure their 14th consecutive Dhaka League win and their 22nd overall title. Since the league's promotion to List-A status in 2013, this is Abahani's fourth championship.

In contrast, Sheikh Jamal were bolstered by Shakib Al Hasan, whose decision to prioritize the Dhaka League over national team duty sparked controversy.

Despite this, Abahani opted to field first after winning the toss - a decision vindicated by their bowlers who removed three Sheikh Jamal wickets inside the powerplay, leaving their opponents struggling at 15 runs.

A 72-run partnership between Shykat Ali and Shakib steadied the innings, defying the early damages, while Ziaur Rahman provided late fireworks with a blistering 85 off 58 balls (eight sixes, six fours). Shakib contributed 49 runs as Sheikh Jamal posted a challenging 267 for nine.

Tanzim Hasan and Rakibul Hasan claimed three wickets each for Abahani, with Nahidul Islam taking two.

In reply, Abahani reached their target with only one ball remaining thanks to half-centuries from Anamul Haque Bijoy, Afif Hossain (a team-high 83), and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat.

Shafiqul Isalm picked up two wickets for Sheikh Jamal, and Shakib was economical (34 runs, one wicket), but his efforts weren't enough to defend their total. Abahani captain Mosaddek sealed the victory with a six in the final over.

In other matches of the same round, Mohammedan Sporting Club defeated Shinepukur Cricket Club, securing their position as the likely runners-up. In the other match, Prime Bank Cricket Club won against Gazi Group Cricketers.