Ton-up Shanto, Naim script Abahani's 10th straight victory

Express Desk
  ১৬ এপ্রিল ২০২৪, ০৩:০১

Abahani Limited sealed its record 10th straight victory in the ongoing Dhaka Premier League (DPL) by overcoming a stern challenge of mighty Prime Bank Cricket Club at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The defending champions Abahani pulled off a 58-run victory after showing an unwavering resolve, thanks to Najmul Hossain Shanto and Naim Sheikh who both hit centuries.

Shanto blasted a fluent 118 off 85 with 13 fours and four sixes while opener Naim made 104 ball-105, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. After the duo set the platform upfront, Towhid Hridoy played a whirlwind 35 ball-65 not out with two fours and four sixes as Abahani Limited which was asked to bat first put up 341-4.

Prime Bank were bowled out for 283 in 49.2 overs despite an unbeaten 111 from Mushfiqur Rahim. Opener Tamim Iqbal was dismissed for just 1 after being caught by Naim off Taskin Ahmed but he seemed not to be satisfied with the umpire's decision.

His opening partner Parvez Hossain Emon however made 56 but other batters, sans Mushfiqur couldn't stand tall in the crunch game.
Taskin and Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed three wickets apiece for Abahani to rip through Prime Bank's batting line up.

It was Prime Bank's fourth defeat in 10 games but they are still in the Super League race.