The latest round of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) was defined by an extraordinary display of bowling prowess across multiple venues. On a day where the balance between bat and ball tipped heavily in favour of the latter, four separate bowlers achieved the distinction of taking five wickets or more. Amongst these standout performances, Alis Al Islam secured a rare hat-trick for Prime Bank, whilst Mrittunjoy Chowdhury dismantled the Bashundhara Strikers with a clinical six-wicket haul. Out of the six matches contested across the league, only a single batsman, Mahfijul Islam, managed to reach the three-figure mark, providing a solitary highlight for the willow in a day dominated by leather.
Prime Bank Extend Unbeaten Run with Alis’s Magic
Prime Bank Cricket Club maintained their flawless record in the tournament, securing their fourth consecutive victory with a comprehensive 198-run defeat of Gazi Group Cricketers. After being put in to bat, Prime Bank posted a formidable total of 303 for 6 on the scoreboard. The innings was bolstered by a trio of half-centuries; openers Shahadat Hossain Dipu (71) and Azizul Hakim Tamim (78) provided a solid foundation, followed by a brisk, unbeaten 51 from Shamim Hossain Patwari.
In response, the Gazi Group’s run chase collapsed spectacularly under the pressure of Alis Al Islam’s spin. Alis claimed exceptional figures of 6 wickets, including a hat-trick achieved across two separate overs. He dismissed Mahfuzul Islam and Aridul Islam with the final two deliveries of the 22nd over. Upon returning to the attack for his subsequent over, he removed Mohammad Rubel with his very first ball to complete the hat-trick. Gazi Group were eventually dismissed for a mere 105 runs, with Alis deservedly named Player of the Match for his match-winning intervention.
Mrittunjoy Chowdhury’s Six-Wicket Haul Stuns Strikers
Mohammedan Sporting Club continued their relentless march through the league, securing a fourth straight win by crushing Bashundhara Strikers in a remarkably one-sided affair. Left-arm pace bowler Mrittunjoy Chowdhury was the primary architect of the destruction, utilising his speed to claim 6 wickets for just 22 runs.
The Bashundhara Strikers found themselves entirely unable to contend with Mrittunjoy’s accuracy and pace, resulting in them being bundled out for a paltry 80 runs. Mohammedan chased the target with clinical efficiency, winning by 10 wickets with 251 balls remaining in the innings. Captain Anamul Haque Bijoy struck an unbeaten 50, while his opening partner Naim Sheikh finished on 31 not out to seal the emphatic victory.
Abahani Limited Maintain Momentum via Spin
After a disappointing start to the season characterised by two opening losses, Abahani Limited appear to have regained their competitive edge. They secured their second consecutive win by defeating Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club at the BKSP Ground 4. The victory was achieved with significant ease, as Abahani reached their target with 146 balls to spare.
The platform for this 8-wicket win was established by Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi. His left-arm spin proved poisonous for the Rupganj Tigers’ batting line-up, as he accounted for 5 wickets to restrict them to a modest total. Abahani chased the target comfortably, spearheaded by a disciplined 65 from Soumya Sarkar. Rabbi, who also contributed an unbeaten 13 with the bat, was adjudged Player of the Match for his comprehensive all-round contribution.
Mahfijul Islam Strikes Sole Century for Agrani Bank
In a day where batsmen across the league were struggling for survival, Mahfijul Islam delivered a batting masterclass for Agrani Bank Cricket Club. Opening the innings, Mahfijul struck a magnificent unbeaten 127, an innings decorated with ten boundaries and three sixes. His contribution was pivotal in propelling Agrani Bank to a total of 293 for 7.
Their opponents, Legends of Rupganj, saw their chase significantly interrupted by inclement weather. This led to a revised DLS target of 223 runs required from 34.1 overs. Despite their efforts, the Legends could only muster 145 runs before the conclusion of the match, resulting in a 77-run victory for Agrani Bank. Unsurprisingly, the centurion Mahfijul was awarded the Player of the Match honours.
Resurgence for Dhaka Leopards and Brothers Union
Dhaka Leopards returned to winning ways by defeating Gulshan Cricket Club by 6 wickets. Chasing a target of 179, Saikat Ali played a commanding unbeaten innings of 88. His knock, which included seven sixes and two fours, guided his team home with 92 balls to spare and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Meanwhile, Brothers Union finally secured their first victory of the campaign after a difficult run of three consecutive defeats. In a rain-affected encounter against City Club, Brothers Union triumphed by 26 runs via the DLS method. City Club had earlier posted a total of 204, with Mohammad Anamul contributing 51. Golam Kabir was the standout performer with the ball for Brothers Union, taking 5 wickets for 31 runs. In the pursuit, half-centuries from Jahiduzzaman (58) and Adil Bin Siddik (57) ensured Brothers remained ahead of the required par score when play was permanently halted with the scoreboard at 150 for 4.