DHAKA, March 24, 2024 (BSS) - Afif Hossain and Naim Sheikh hit half-centuries as Abahani Limited thrashed City Club by 52 runs for their fifth straight victory in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) today at BKSP-4 ground. 

Put into bat first, Abahani were restricted to a moderate 217-7 but their bowlers bowled well in tandem to wrap up City Cup innings for 165 in 40.5 overs. 

Naim Sheikh gave Abahani stability when the top order got tough to rotate the scoreboard. Naim hit 54 off 79 with seven fours and one six before Afif gave the finishing touch with 67 off 83, hitting one four and three sixes. His innings was key in propelling the side past 200. 

Later Saifuddin and captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat claimed three wickets apiece to derail City Club for whom the highest 31 runs came from the willow of Irfan Hossain. Moinul Islam added 30. 

Gazi Group Cricketers and Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club secured their fourth victory in fifth matches when they won their respective games in the other two matches of the day. 

In a clash of titans, Gazi Group beat Prime Bank Cricket Club by six wickets at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah while Sheikh Jamal beat Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club also by the same margin at BKSP-3 ground. 

Shakib Al Hasan who is gearing up to join Bangladesh team in the second and final Test against Sri Lanka, scored 34 and took one wicket in Sheikh Jamal’s victory.