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 batsmen found conditions immensely challenging, four separate bowlers achieved the distinction of taking five wickets or more. Amongst these standout performances, Alis Al Islam secured a rare hat-trick, while Mrittunjoy Chowdhury dismantled the opposition with a clinical six-wicket haul. Out of the six matches contested, only a single batsman, Mahfijul Islam, managed to reach a century.
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Alis Al Islam’s Hat-Trick Seals Prime Bank Victory
Prime Bank Cricket Club maintained their flawless record in the tournament, securing their fourth consecutive win 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, bolstered by three half-centuries. Openers Shahadat Hossain Dipu (71) and Azizul Hakim Tamim (78) provided a solid foundation, followed by an unbeaten 51 from Shamim Hossain Patwari.
In response, Gazi Group’s run chase collapsed under the pressure of Alis Al Islam’s spin. Alis claimed 6 wickets, including a hat-trick spanning across two overs. He dismissed Mahfuzul Islam and Aridul Islam with the final two deliveries of the 22nd over, before returning to remove Mohammad Rubel with the first ball of his subsequent over. Gazi Group were dismissed for a mere 105 runs, with Alis deservedly named Player of the Match.
Mrittunjoy Chowdhury Destroys Bashundhara Strikers
Mohammedan Sporting Club continued their winning streak, securing a fourth straight victory by crushing Bashundhara Strikers in a one-sided affair. Left-arm paceman Mrittunjoy Chowdhury was the architect of the destruction, taking 6 wickets for 22 runs. Bashundhara Strikers were bundled out for a paltry 80 runs. Mohammedan chased the target in record time, winning by 10 wickets with 251 balls remaining. Anamul Haque Bijoy struck an unbeaten 50, while Naim Sheikh finished on 31 not out.
Abahani Limited Secure Second Consecutive Win
After a disappointing start to the season with two opening losses, Abahani Limited have regained their momentum. They secured their second win in a row by defeating Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club at BKSP Ground 4. The victory was achieved with 146 balls to spare.
The platform for the 8-wicket win was set by Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi, whose left-arm spin accounted for 5 wickets. Rupganj Tigers were restricted to a modest total, which Abahani chased down comfortably thanks to Soumya Sarkar’s disciplined 65. Rabbi, who also contributed an unbeaten 13 with the bat, was adjudged Player of the Match.
Mahfijul Islam Scores Sole Century in Agrani Bank Win
In a day dominated by leather, Mahfijul Islam provided the only highlight for the willow. The Agrani Bank Cricket Club opener struck a magnificent unbeaten 127, featuring ten boundaries and three sixes. His innings propelled Agrani Bank to 293 for 7. Their opponents, Legends of Rupganj, saw their chase interrupted by rain, leading to a revised DLS target of 223 in 34.1 overs. Legends of Rupganj could only muster 145 runs, resulting in a 77-run victory for Agrani Bank.
Success 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, including seven sixes and two fours, to guide his team home with 92 balls remaining.
Meanwhile, Brothers Union finally tasted victory after three consecutive defeats. In a rain-affected encounter against City Club, Brothers Union secured a 26-run win via the DLS method. City Club had earlier posted 204, with Mohammad Anamul scoring 51. Golam Kabir was the pick of the bowlers for Brothers, taking 5 wickets for 31 runs. In the chase, half-centuries from Jahiduzzaman (58) and Adil Bin Siddik (57) ensured Brothers were ahead of the par score when the rain arrived at 150 for 4.