Abu Haider Roni, traditionally recognised as a left-arm pacer, has taken the National Cricket League by storm this season—not with the ball, but with a bat. The 30-year-old all-rounder has emerged as a destructive force capable of completely dismantling any bowling attack. His performance has challenged the conventional expectation that pace bowlers are merely supporting batsmen.
Roni’s most memorable display came at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium during the league’s final round. Playing for Mymensingh, he struck 10 fours and 13 sixes against Rajshahi, compiling an unbeaten 141 off just 127 deliveries. This innings wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a demonstration of sheer dominance, power, and timing, a masterclass that left spectators in awe.
Remarkably, Roni achieved this despite being unavailable for several matches due to commitments with the Bangladesh ‘A’ team at the Hong Kong Sixes and the Asia Cup Rising Stars Tournament. Over the course of four matches and seven innings, he smashed a staggering 32 sixes, far exceeding the efforts of every other player in the league. His 31 fours complement these numbers, meaning he hit more sixes than fours—a rare feat in first-class cricket.
Across seven innings, Roni accumulated 421 runs at an astonishing average of 105.25, striking at 116.94. From boundaries alone, he scored 316 runs—a figure that would be remarkable even in international cricket. Comparatively, no other batter could even hit 15 sixes, and only four managed ten or more: Ziaur Rahman (13), Sohag Gazi (12), Soumya Sarkar (12), and Mohammad Naeem Sheikh (10).
Roni began his season in scintillating style against Sylhet, scoring 107 not out from number eight, hitting six sixes and ten fours. He followed it with 60 unbeaten off 34 balls against Rangpur. After returning from national duty, he continued his assault in the sixth round with a 97-run innings off 76 balls, narrowly missing another century.
The final round against Rajshahi was Roni’s magnum opus. Recreating the heroics of his opening match, he hammered 13 sixes and 10 fours, finishing unbeaten on 141. Yet, despite his herculean effort, Mymensingh fell short of the 428-run target, scoring 281. Veteran left-arm spinner Sanjamul Islam dominated with five wickets in each innings, ensuring Rajshahi clinched victory.
Roni’s campaign demonstrates that he is no longer just a supporting player. His power-hitting, precision, and consistency have elevated him to one of the most exciting all-rounders in Bangladesh domestic cricket, capable of changing a game single-handedly with the bat. This season will be remembered as Roni’s ascent to stardom.