Rishad, Saif and Litton power Dhumketu to opening win

Rishad Hossain’s three-wicket haul and half-centuries from Saif Hassan and Litton Das powered Dhumketu XI to a comfortable six-wicket win over Duronto XI in the opening match of the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing 144, Dhumketu reached 146 for four in 16.1 overs after Duronto were bowled out for 143 in 19.5 overs. Saif scored 50 from 30 balls, while Litton remained unbeaten on 65 off 43 deliveries.

Duronto made a brisk start after being sent in, with Jishan Alam striking 14 off just six balls before Tanzim Hasan provided the first breakthrough. The batting side reached 45 for one in the powerplay but then lost momentum against Dhumketu’s spinners, led by Rishad.

Azizul Hakim and Ariful Islam were dismissed in quick succession before Mahfijul Islam was run out for 39 from 36 balls, leaving Duronto struggling to maintain the scoring rate.

Akbar Ali and SM Meherob added 28 runs to steady the innings, but Rishad returned to remove Akbar, who made 18 from 10 balls, for his third wicket. The leg-spinner finished with 3 for 21 from four overs, continuing his fine form following his Big Bash League stint with the Hobart Hurricanes.

The pacers then wrapped up the tail as Tanzim removed Mahidul Islam and Shoriful Islam struck twice in successive deliveries, dismissing super-sub Zawad Abrar and Rakibul Hasan. Although Abdul Gaffar Saqlain hit two sixes off Tanzim to raise hopes of a late flourish, Duronto managed only 11 runs from the final two overs.

Mustafizur Rahman, who conceded 14 runs in his opening over, dismissed Saqlain in the final over to finish with figures of 1 for 16. Shoriful and Tanzim claimed two wickets apiece, while Mahedi Hasan picked up one for 19.

Dhumketu also lost an early wicket in reply when Tanzid Hasan fell for 17 off eight balls after putting on 34 for the first wicket with Saif. However, Saif and Litton quickly took control, adding 78 runs for the second wicket as Dhumketu raced to 62 in the powerplay.

Saif reached his half-century from 29 balls, hitting four fours and three sixes, before being dismissed by Meherob. Litton brought up his fifty from 34 balls, striking 10 fours in a fluent innings.

Meherob, who finished with 3 for 23, also removed Parvez Hossain and Towhid Hridoy, but Dhumketu were already firmly in control by then.

Dhumketu XI will face Najmul Hossain Shanto’s Durbar XI in their next match on Friday.