Shahadat Hossain Dipu Leads Prime Bank to Thrilling DPL Win Over Mohammedan
A Tactical Masterclass in the Dhaka Premier League
The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) once again lived up to its reputation for delivering high-stakes, edge-of-the-seat cricket as Prime Bank Cricket Club secured a memorable three-wicket victory over Mohammedan Sporting Club. The clash, held at the Bashundhara Sports Complex, was defined by gritty batting displays, a heartbreaking near-miss for a centurion, and a clinical chase that went down to the final over of the day.
Mohammedan’s Strong Posting
Batting first, Mohammedan Sporting Club showcased their batting depth by posting a formidable 303 for 6. The innings began with a steady 43-run opening partnership between Anamul Haque Bijoy and Naim Sheikh. While Bijoy was dismissed for 19, the partnership that followed proved to be the backbone of their total.
Naim Sheikh and Parvez Hossain Emon anchored the innings with a brilliant century stand. Emon provided a composed foundation, scoring 52 off 65 deliveries. At the other end, Naim Sheikh was the protagonist, playing a majestic knock that looked destined for a triple-digit score. Unfortunately for him, Naim fell just one run short of a century, dismissed for 99 off 107 balls after hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes. His wicket, claimed by Abu Hashim, halted the momentum momentarily.
Despite the departures of Towhid Hridoy and Rishad Hossain, Mohammedan found late-order resistance through Afif Hossain, who remained unbeaten on 49 from 49 balls, and a brisk cameo from Mohammad Saifuddin, who contributed a rapid 20 off just 12 balls, helping the side cross the 300-run milestone.
The Prime Bank Response
Chasing a target of 304, Prime Bank needed a disciplined start, and they received exactly that through an opening stand of 53 between Azizul Hakim Tamim and Shahadat Hossain Dipu. Tamim departed after a solid 20, and Ariful Islam stepped in to maintain the tempo with a valuable 31.
The middle phase of the chase required stability. Experienced campaigner Mahmudullah Riyad joined the fray but was unable to convert his start, leaving the field after a 51-ball 36. However, while wickets fell around him, Shahadat Hossain Dipu stood firm. Dipu orchestrated the chase with immense maturity, anchoring the innings with a brilliant century.
Dipu’s Century and the Final Flourish
The match turned decisively during the partnership between Dipu and Akbar Ali. Ali played a crucial supporting role, scoring 40 off 30 deliveries to maintain the required run rate. Dipu, meanwhile, reached his century in spectacular fashion, finishing with 118 runs from 123 deliveries, embellished with 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Following Dipu’s departure, the game entered a high-tension phase. Shamim Hossain ensured there were no late nerves, playing a blistering cameo of 37 runs off only 21 balls, featuring 3 massive sixes. With Abu Hider Rony adding a quick-fire 14 off 6 balls, Prime Bank successfully navigated the pressure. The team crossed the finish line with five balls to spare, marking a historic and dramatic win in this year’s DPL competition.
Key Takeaways
- Batting Brilliance: Both sides displayed exceptional skill, with Naim Sheikh’s 99 and Shahadat Hossain Dipu’s 118 standing out as the individual highlights of the match.
- Pressure Handling: Prime Bank’s ability to remain calm under the burden of a 300-plus chase illustrates their growing confidence as a unit.
- Depth Matters: While the top order set the platform, the contributions from lower-order hitters like Afif Hossain and Shamim Hossain proved that attacking cricket is vital in modern white-ball games.
This match will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the current season, showcasing the intensity and skill level inherent in the Dhaka Premier League.
