The 2024-25 season of the Dhaka Premier League kicked off with a bang! The defending champions, Abahani, and last season’s runners-up, Mohammedan, both suffered losses. However, the upsets didn’t stop there, as two newcomers—Agrani Bank and Gulshan Cricket Club—also triumphed over these big teams. In another match, Shamim Hossain led Prime Bank Cricket Club to a dramatic comeback victory over Rupganj Tigers.
Mohammedan’s Stars Fail
Mohammedan’s loss to Gulshan Cricket Club by 107 runs was nothing short of a major upset. On BKSP’s third ground, the star-studded Mohammedan team, led by Tamim Iqbal, couldn’t cope with Gulshan’s performance.
Batting first, Gulshan posted 198 runs for 8 wickets. After losing two wickets for just 34 runs, U-19 national opener Zawad Abrar and Iftekhar Hossain steadied the innings. Zawad scored 75 runs off 86 balls, hitting 4 fours and 5 sixes, before getting out. However, Iftekhar finished with a century—110 balls for 108 runs, including 9 fours and 3 sixes—before being caught by Tamim Iqbal off Abu Haider Rony’s delivery.
In their chase, Mohammedan fell to 191 runs all-out in 40.2 overs. The star players—Tamim (22), Mushfiqur Rahim (7), and Mahmudullah (10)—all failed to deliver. Ariful Islam top-scored with 73 runs off 79 balls, but it wasn’t enough. Iftekhar, who had scored a century earlier, also took 3 wickets to lead Gulshan’s bowling charge.
Abahani Stumbles
Abahani’s loss to Agrani Bank raised some eyebrows, especially given the presence of national team captain Nazmul Hossain and former Test captain Mominul Haque in their ranks. However, on paper, Abahani couldn’t outshine Agrani Bank’s players.
Batting first at Mirpur, Abahani was bowled out for 234 runs. Parvez Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain made half-centuries, but their efforts couldn’t prevent the collapse. Abahani lost early wickets, including opener Shahriar Kamal, and Nazmul (20 off 51 balls) fell LBW to Naeem Hasan. Parvez Hossain scored 50 runs off 74 balls with 6 fours, and Mosaddek top-scored with 73 runs off 65 balls, including 5 fours and 3 sixes.
In response, Agrani Bank got off to a solid start with an opening partnership of 58 runs. Imranuzzaman scored 35 off 35 balls, while Sadman Islam added 46 runs from 70 balls. The chase was sealed by captain Imrul Kayes, who scored 94 runs off 94 balls, including 3 fours and 7 sixes, before being dismissed just 6 runs away from victory.
Hero of the Day: Shamim Hossain
In another thrilling encounter at BKSP’s fourth ground, Prime Bank looked doomed at 113 for 7 while chasing 217 runs set by Rupganj Tigers. However, Shamim Hossain produced a stellar performance to turn the game around.
Shamim, along with Khaled Ahmed, added 107 runs for the 8th wicket to steer Prime Bank to victory. Shamim remained unbeaten on 98 runs off 83 balls, hitting 10 fours and 4 sixes, while Khaled remained on 28* as Prime Bank won in the 33rd over.
Earlier, Rupganj Tigers, after being put in to bat, were bowled out for 216 runs. Abdul Majid top-scored with 53 runs off 73 balls, and Tanveer Haider contributed 47 runs off 56 balls. Prime Bank’s Arafat Sunny and Nazmul Islam took 3 wickets each to help restrict Rupganj to a modest total.
These opening matches have set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2024-25 Dhaka Premier League season!
Match Summary
- Abahani Limited: 50 overs – 234 all out
(Parvez 50, Mosaddek 73, Mahfuzur 10, Mrittunjoy 14, Raqibul 8; Shahidul 4/44, Rueel 2/47, Shuvagata 2/37) - Agrani Bank Cricket Club: 45 overs – 235/4
(Imranuzzaman 35, Sadman 46, Imrul 94, Amit 44; Mahfuzur 2/41, Mrittunjoy 1/26)
Result: Agrani Bank won by 6 wickets
Man of the Match: Imrul Kayes
