Prime Bank makes history as the first team in Bangladesh to reach 400 runs in a List A match.
Key Takeaways
The 46th edition of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League is shaping up to be the most competitive in 15 years. After the first round which began on March 3rd, the top seven teams are all tied on four points, indicating a highly contested start. Despite concerns about financial constraints, defending champions Abahani Limited are also among the leading teams.
Prime Bank Cricket Club has made an explosive start to the league, achieving a landmark by becoming the first team in Bangladesh to surpass a 400-run total in a List A game. While there have been other high-scoring innings with two more 300+ totals in the initial rounds, the league has also seen some batting collapses with two teams being bowled out for under 100 runs.
Following Bangladesh’s disappointing Champions Trophy performance, the Dhaka Premier League, the nation’s premier domestic cricket competition, is under scrutiny to see if it can unearth new talent.
Best Batters
Mohammad Naim has been the most dominant batter in the domestic circuit this season. He achieved a personal best score of 176 against Brothers Union in a match where Prime Bank amassed 422 for 8 in their 50 overs. Naim has refined his approach, focusing on a select range of shots and demonstrating improved consistency in accumulating runs through singles and doubles.
Best Bowlers
Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam has consistently taken three wickets in each of his first three matches for Legends of Rupganj. His spells of 3 for 15 against Shinepukur Cricket Club and 3 for 23 against Gazi Group Cricketers have been particularly noteworthy. After a less successful BPL season, Tanvir appears determined to make a strong comeback in the Dhaka Premier League. He also reached milestones, achieving 150 List A wickets and completing 100 matches in this format on March 10th.
Best Match
Prime Bank commenced their season with a thrilling victory against Rupganj Tigers, winning by three wickets. Rupganj, after electing to bat first, were dismissed for 216 in 48.4 overs. Prime Bank faced early setbacks, collapsing to 23 for 4 in the third over, losing openers Naim and Sabbir Hossain for ducks, followed by Zakir Hasan. The situation worsened when captain Irfan Sukkur was run out, putting Prime Bank in a precarious position.
However, Shamim Hossain played a crucial innings, anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 98 off 83 balls, including ten fours and four sixes. He formed an unbroken eighth-wicket partnership of 110 runs with Khaled Ahmed, who contributed 28 off 37 deliveries. Shahadat Hossain also played a significant role with a rapid half-century from No. 4.
Points to Ponder
Besides the leading seven teams all being level on points, Gulshan Cricket Club, Partex Sporting Club, Shinepukur, and Brothers Union each have two points. Rupganj Tigers are currently the only team without any points after suffering three defeats.
Players to Watch
Brothers Union’s young batter, 21-year-old Mahfijul Islam, has made a strong impression by scoring a century and a half-century in the first three matches, making him the highest scorer at this stage of the tournament. Parvez Hossain Emon, returning from the Champions Trophy, has also notched up a century and a fifty.
