Tanzim takes five as Abahani thrash Legends of Rupganj

Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed his career-best 5-23 as defending champions Abahani Limited continued its winning spree in Dhaka Premier League (DPL), thrashing Legends of Rupganj by eight wickets at Khan Saheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah on Saturday, reports BSS.

Two other fast bowlers Shoriful Islam (3-29) and Taskin Ahmed (2-16) shared the rest of the five wickets to complement Tanzim as Abahani Limited wrapped Rupganj up for just 99 in 28.5 overs.

They reached the target in just 10.4 overs. Mosaddek Hossain Saikat led the rout, hammering 18 ball-48 not out. He smashed five fours and four sixes.

Having won the game, Abahani registered its ninth straight victory in the league, making them only unbeaten team.

Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy made 34 ball-37 not out with two fours and four sixes. Naim Sheikh, however, was out for 4 while Towhid Hridoy scored 10.

Earlier, Shamim Patwari made team-high 18 for star-studded Rupganj while captain Masharafe Bin Mortaza scored 15.

New ball bowler Shoriful Islam dismissed openers Tawfiq Khan Tushar and Shadman Islam to give Abahani a start to savour.

Tanzim then appeared in the stage to scythe down the middle order before Taskin cleaned up the tail to give Abahani a small total to chase in the high-voltage clash.

The victory kept Abahani on top of the table as they made a giant stride to retain the title.

Meanwhile, Mohammedan Sporting Club created a history by securing the biggest victory in the DPL when it closed out the game in just 6.2 overs for its nine wicket victory against Gazi Tyres Cricket Academy at BKSP-3 ground on Saturday.

After bowling out the Gazi Tyres for only 40 runs in 12 overs, Mohammedan reached the victory target, keeping 262 balls unused, which is the biggest victory in terms of balls remaining in DPL history since it got List A status in 2013-2014. Pacer Abu Hider Rony ripped through the Gazi batting line-up with a seven-wicket haul to bundle them out for a mere 40 runs. It is also the second best bowling figure in DPL history.

However, if Bangladesh's List A cricket is taken into the consideration, then Gazi Tyres total is the third lowest. Chattogram Division were all out for 30 against Sylhet in National Cricket League (NCL) one-day version in 2002 is still the lowest total in Bangladesh's List A Cricket history.

Abu Haider Rony became the fourth Bangladesh bowler to take seven wickets in List A cricket. Young pacer Yasin Arafat took eight wickets for 40 against Abahani Limited, playing for Gazi Group Cricketers in DPL in 2017-2018 season, remains the best bowling figure in DPL and overall Bangladesh's List A history.

Captain Imrul Kayes hit 19 not out as Mohammedan closed out the game with any fuss. Rony Talukdar who made 12 was the only wicket that Mohammedan lost as they registered their seventh victory in nine matches.

As Mohammedan recorded victory in 6.2 overs, it meant the match lasted only 18.2 overs, making the shortest match ever in DPL history.