Defending Champions Abahani Limited made a winning start to the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) Super Six phase after beating Agrani Bank by four wickets on DLS method on Thursday at BKSP-3 ground.
The victory and the defeat of archrivals Mohammedan Sporting Club to Legends of Rupganj on the same day in Mirpur helped Abahani acquire the top spot again in the league.
The match was also hit by rain but Abahani overcame a spirited Agrani Bank, thanks to a total team game effort.
After winning the toss, Abahani put Agrani Bank into bat first and they replied, reaching 109-3 in 24.4 overs, before rain stopped the game for a while.
After resumption of the game, Abahani's revised target stood 157 in 22 overs, which they did in style in 19.2 overs despite a nightmarish start that saw them losing two openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Shahriar Komol for duck.
Jishan Alam counterattacked with 27 ball-46, hammering three fours and four sixes as Abahani gained the momentum to gun down the target.
SM Meherob Hossain gave Jishan an ably support with 25 ball 30. Later Shamsul Islam Anik and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby sailed the team home with rapid 25 and 20 runs respectively.
For Agrani Bank, veteran Imrul Kayes top-scored with 48 not out while captain Imranuzzman contributed 29.
In the day's other match, Gulshan Cricket Club edged Gazi Group Cricketers past by three wickets on DLS method at BKSP-4 ground. �"BSS
