Mohammedan Sporting Club relinquished their lead in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) race for the title following a 5-wicket loss to Dhaka Leopards at BKSP-3 yesterday. Despite being at the top of the standings for most of the season, Mohammedan now faces the task of defeating Abahani Limited on the final matchday this Thursday and hoping for a win by Leopards over Prime Bank Cricket Club to have a chance at clinching their first DPL title since 2009-10.
The defeat suffered by Mohammedan has significantly boosted Abahani’s chances of claiming the title. With Abahani, Mohammedan, and Prime Bank all tied at 16 points after 10 rounds, Abahani strengthened their position by securing a 12-run victory against Gazi Group Cricketers at BKSP-4. Abahani now only needs to defeat Mohammedan to secure their fourth consecutive title, having previously defeated Prime Bank earlier in the season.
Prime Bank remains in the title race following their 18-run victory over Bashundhara Strikers at PKSP. To have a shot at the title, Prime Bank must defeat Leopards and hope for a victory by Mohammedan against Abahani. If this scenario unfolds, Prime Bank would secure their first title since 2014-15 due to a superior head-to-head record against Mohammedan.
Mohammedan’s defeat in the penultimate round was a major upset, primarily due to the underperformance of their star-studded batting lineup. Apart from Mushfiqur Rahim’s 68 off 80 balls, none of their batsmen made significant contributions as they were limited to 225 for eight after batting first.
Leopards successfully chased the target in 34.3 overs, led by Mominul Haque’s unbeaten 93 off 77 balls and Zawad Abrar’s explosive 66 off 34 deliveries, which included five fours and six sixes. In another match, Abahani was bowled out for 221 in 48.3 overs, with Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scoring with 66. Their bowlers then restricted Gazi Group to 209, securing a thrilling victory.
In a separate game, Prime Bank struggled at 103 for nine before Abu Hider Rony’s 58 off 48 balls and a 57-run partnership with Tipu Sultan helped them reach 160 all out. In response, Bashundhara reached 127 for five before collapsing to 142 all out, with Rony and Sultan shining with the ball.
Additionally, Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club secured a two-wicket win over Agrani Bank Cricket Club at the Bashundhara Sports Complex. Habibur Rahman Sohan’s remarkable century off 45 balls powered Legends of Rupganj to a 74-run victory over City Club at the ULAB Cricket Ground.