The Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) witnessed some unexpected twists in its second week, with Agrani Bank and Gulshan Cricket Club emerging as the surprise contenders. Both teams secured three consecutive victories, joining defending champions Abahani Limited at the top of the points table with 10 points each. Although level on points, Abahani Limited leads the standings due to a superior net run rate.
Meanwhile, despite their heavy investment, Mohammedan Sporting Club suffered a setback with a 65-run loss to Gazi Group, leaving them with eight points, the same as Gulshan CC. Agrani Bank also continues to impress, with Shadman Islam and Imrul Kayes delivering strong performances with the bat.
Batting Brilliance: Anamul Haque’s Record-Breaking Knock
The standout batting display came from Gazi Group’s Anamul Haque, who smashed an unbeaten 149 against Mohammedan at the BKSP-4 ground on March 18. His innings, which included 12 fours and 4 sixes, powered his team to an imposing 336 for 5 in 50 overs.
Anamul’s explosive batting particularly punished Taskin Ahmed, who recorded Bangladesh’s most expensive spell in List-A cricket, conceding 107 runs in 10 overs despite claiming three wickets.
Bowling Heroes: Robiul Hoque and Mahfuzur Rahman Shine
While Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby claimed the only five-wicket haul of the week, it was Agrani Bank’s Robiul Hoque who delivered a game-changing spell. His 4 for 14 decimated Dhanmondi Sporting Club on March 13, removing Ashiqur Rahman, Yasir Ali, Moin Khan, and Hasan Murad. His remarkable performance led Agrani Bank to a five-wicket victory.
Robiul has been on the radar for national selection for a while but faces stiff competition from Bangladesh’s deep pool of fast bowlers.
Thriller of the Week: Rupganj Tigers’ Last-Ball Victory
The most thrilling match of the week came from the Rupganj Tigers, who clinched their first points of the season with a last-ball win against Partex Sporting Club at BKSP-3.
Chasing 224, Abdul Mazid anchored the innings, leading his team to the final over needing 10 runs. With three runs required off the last ball, Mazid delivered under pressure, scooping a boundary to seal the victory and complete his first century of the season.
Points Race and Relegation Battle Intensify
As the first phase of the league crosses the halfway mark, the fight for the Super League spots is heating up. Eight teams are still in the race for the top six positions.
- Dhanmondi Sports Club and Prime Bank Cricket Club are having inconsistent seasons and must improve to stay in contention.
- The relegation battle is equally intense, with Rupganj Tigers, Partex, Brothers Union, and Shinepukur Cricket Club all languishing on two points each.
Players to Watch: Tofael Ahmed’s All-Round Brilliance
Tofael Ahmed, a seam-bowling allrounder from Gazi Group, has emerged as a key player. He has scored 192 runs at an average of 48.00 and taken seven wickets at 11.85.
Tofael was pivotal in Gazi Group’s victory over Mohammedan, where he consistently challenged Taskin Ahmed with both bat and ball, underlining his potential as a future star.
As the Dhaka Premier League progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with top teams battling for Super League spots and lower-ranked sides fighting to avoid relegation.
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