Newly-promoted side Kalabagan Cricket Academy stunned 17-time champions Abahani Limited with an eight-wicket victory in the Dhaka Premier League. KCA now have two wins under their belt, and have skipped over Abahani who have lost their last three matches.
Set 189 to win after overnight rain delayed the start and reduced the match to a 34-overs-a-side affair, KCA got off to a poor start. Vusi Sibanda fell in the fifth over but thereafter, Hamilton Masakadza and Mizanur Rahman took charge. They added 166 runs in the next 25 overs, putting their side firmly in control of proceedings.
Mizanur made 91 off 94 balls with seven fours and two sixes, while Masakadza remained unbeaten on a 72-ball 85 with eight fours and two sixes. Abahani's bowling was insipid, with only Al-Amin Hossain and Nabil Samad picking up a wicket each.
Earlier, 17-year-old batsman Mosaddek Hossain continued his good form with another half-century, which once again rescued Abahani from an ordinary start. He made 62 while Thilina Kandamby smashed two sixes and five fours in his unbeaten 38-ball 53. It was supposed to demoralise KCA, but the exact opposite happened.
Another Dhaka giant, Mohammedan Sporting Club were beaten by a whopping 239 runs by Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club. It is the biggest margin of victory in Bangladesh's List A cricket, besting Pakistan's 233-run victory over Bangladesh in 2000.
Mohammedan were bowled out for just 67 runs in the 23rd over, after being set 307 to win. Dhanmondi's Elton Chigumbura took four wickets in a 2.4-over spell while Elias Sunny grabbed two. Mohammedan's procession began in the tenth over, when an in-form Shamsur Rahman was caught behind off Abdur Razzak. From 42 for 2, they lost their last eight wickets for just 24 runs.
Dhanmondi set up the massive target thanks to Afghanistan allrounder Gulbadin Naib's whirlwind, unbeaten 93 off 54 balls. He smashed seven sixes and six fours, entertaining a small crowd that turned up at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. Dilshan Munaweera and captain Mushfiqur Rahim also chipped in with half-centuries. For Mohammedan, Ajantha Mendis picked up three wickets for 55 runs.
At Fatullah Cricket Stadium, Brothers Union eased to an eight-wicket win over Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity. Batting first, Khelagar were bowled out for 102 runs in 33.4 overs. Angelo Mathews took three wickets while Sachithra Senanayake picked up two with the new ball. The Sri Lanka captain took charge of the chase as well, scoring a run-a-ball unbeaten 51, to secure the win in the 25th over.
