Gulshan shock Mohammedan, Agrani Bank humble Abahani

 
Star-studded Mohammedan Sporting Club launched their Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 2025 campaign with a shocking defeat as they were outclassed by Gulshan Cricket Club by a massive 107 runs on Monday.

Chasing a daunting target of 299, Mohammedan was bundled out for just 191 runs.

The star of the match was Gulshan's all-rounder Iftikhar Hossain Ifti, who played a match-winning knock of 108 runs and then dismantled Mohammedan's batting lineup with three wickets. His all-round brilliance ensured Mohammedan never found their way back into the contest.

Mohammedan's chase got off to a shaky start, losing wickets at regular intervals. Skipper and opener Tamim Iqbal managed 22 runs, while one-down batter Mahidul Islam Ankon contributed 31 runs. The only standout performer was Ariful Haque, who fought hard with a 73-run innings.

However, after Ariful's dismissal, the batting collapse was inevitable. Besides Ifti's three-wicket haul, Azizul Hakim Tamim and Elias Sunny claimed two wickets each, while Raihan Ali Ikram, Nihaduzzaman, and Asaduzzaman Payel picked up one wicket apiece.

Earlier in the match, Gulshan Cricket Club posted a competitive total of 298/8 after losing the toss. The team had an early setback, losing two wickets for just 34 runs. Azizul Hakim Tamim (4) and Khalid Hasan (8) fell cheaply to Abu Hider Rony, who gave Mohammedan a strong start.

However, a crucial 83-run partnership between Jawad and Ifti stabilized the innings. Jawad played a fluent 75 off 86 balls before being dismissed by Mohammad Saifuddin, caught by Mahmudullah Riyad at short fine leg. Ifti then took charge, forming a 94-run stand with Habibur Sheikh Munna.

Munna contributed 47 off 53 balls before perishing to Abu Hider Rony in the 41st over. Ifti, meanwhile, went on to register the first century of this DPL season, scoring 108 off 110 balls, including 9 fours and 3 sixes. He eventually fell in the 49th over, caught by Tamim Iqbal off Abu Hider Rony.

Meanwhile, another traditional outfit Abahani Limited also tested defeat in their DPL opener as they suffered six-wicket defeat by Agrani Bank at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Imrul Kayes' team outplayed Najmul Hossain Shanto's side, securing a dominant victory in the opening match of the tournament.

Despite falling just six runs short of a century, Imrul played a crucial role in Agrani Bank's successful chase of Abahani's 235-run target.

The chase started steadily, with openers Imranuzzaman and Shadman Islam carefully building a foundation. The duo ensured Agrani Bank reached 50 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay.

Imranuzzaman was the first to depart, bowled by Mosaddek Hossain for 35 off 35 balls. Shadman continued alongside Imrul, pushing the team past the 100-run mark. However, just before reaching his half-century, Sadman was dismissed for 46 off 70 balls by Mrittunjoy Chowdhury.

With two wickets down, Agrani Bank stayed on track as Imrul, supported by Amit Hasan, took charge. Imrul reached his half-century with a composed innings, appearing set for a century before falling to Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi for 94.

Amit also contributed 44 runs before being bowled while attempting a sweep shot. However, Marshal Ayub and Taibur Rahman ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding Agrani Bank to a six-wicket win.

Earlier in the day, Abahani's batting lineup struggled despite a few notable performances. The team suffered an early setback when opener Shahriar Kamal was dismissed without scoring. Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Parvez Hossain Emon attempted to rebuild, but Shanto fell for 20 off 51 balls.

Making his debut for Abahani, Parvez managed to notch a half-century, scoring 50 off 74 balls before his dismissal. However, the middle order faltered, with Mohammad Mithun (7) and Mominul Haque (27 off 40) failing to capitalize.

It was Mosaddek Hossain who rescued Abahani from further collapse, anchoring the innings with a crucial knock. His 73-run innings off 65 balls, featuring three sixes and five boundaries, propelled Abahani to a total of 234.