Abahani break the ice; Mohammedan extend perfect start

Two unfinished matches of the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) 2025-26 third round were completed on Monday, with traditional giants Abahani Limited and Mohammedan Sporting Club securing emphatic victories as expected.

Defending champions Abahani registered their first win of the tournament, defeating Brothers Union by 166 runs at Pubergaon Krira Shikkha Protistan (PKSP) while Mohammedan maintained their blazing form, crushing Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club by 200 runs at the ULAB Cricket Ground to secure their third consecutive victory and climb to the top of the points table.

At the PKSP-2, resuming on an overnight score of 49 for one after rain forced the match into a reserve day, Abahani’s bowlers shared the spoils as Syed Khaled Ahmed, Rohan Ud Dowla, Rakibul Hasan, Soumya Sarkar and Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby claimed two wickets each to bowl Brothers out for 117 in 35.5 overs, ending Abahani’s two-match losing streak.

For Brothers, opener Zahiduzzaman Khan was the lone notable contributor, scoring 40 off 58 balls.

Earlier on Sunday, Abahani posted 283 for six in their allotted 50 overs, powered by three half-centuries. Mahidul Islam Ankon top-scored with 83 off 113 balls, S M Meherob Hassan made 77 off 76, while Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 62 off just 40 deliveries after they were sent in to bat.

At the ULAB, Rupganj resumed on 53 for 5 but failed to mount any resistance, losing their remaining wickets cheaply to be bowled out for 145 in 34.5 overs.

Pacer Mrittunjoy Chowdhury, who had claimed four wickets in five overs on Sunday, added another on Monday to finish with career-best figures of 5 for 41. Rishad Hossain also took three wickets.

Earlier, Mohammad Naim played a blistering innings of 145 off 136 balls, smashing five fours and 12 sixes, while Yasir Ali remained unbeaten on 69 off 44 balls as Mohammedan posted a commanding 345 for six in 50 overs after being asked to bat first on Sunday.

The fourth-round matches are scheduled to take place on Wednesday.