Defending Champions Abahani Limited took them on the verge of defending the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) title, after they clinched third straight victory by sealing a 10-run win over Gazi Group Cricketers in the Super Six phase at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.
They overcame an inform Anamul Haque Bijoy who hit second consecutive ton, a 108-run knock during the chase as Abahani Limited posted 249 before being all out in 48.2 overs after being asked to bat first.
However, Bijoy's century was not enough while Gazi Group Cricketers fell short of 11 runs from victory being all out for 239 in 49.3 overs.
Abahani rode on opener Shahriar Komol to put on a respectable total on tough pitch. Komol struck eight fours and three sixes in his 100 ball-96.
Komol and his fellow opener Parvez Hossain Emon who made 45 gave the side a good platform with 107 runs in the opening stand. But Abahani then tasted a mini collapse that saw them losing wickets in quick succession before SM Mehrob Hasan stabilized the things with 45 runs.
Leg-spinner Wasi Siddique scalped 4-38 for Gazi Group while Sheikh Parvez Jibon snapped up 3-40.
Bijoy, however, kept the side in the hunt despite regular wickets tumbling around him. His fellow opener Sadikur Rahman was out for duck before he shared 52-run with Shamshur Rahman Shuvo for the second wickets. Shuvo made 27 runs.
After Shuvo's dismissal, Wasi Siddique gave Bijoy a handy support as Gazi looked to control the things.
But Abahani clawed back into the game strongly after the departure of Wasi. Later, they made regular intervals despite Bijoy's century to snatch a crucial victory that bolstered their top position. �"BSS
