Abahani cruise to victory as Shanto dazzles

A stunning century from Najmul Hossain Shanto headlined a day of high-scoring cricket across the Walton Smart Fridge Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, powered by Bashundhara Cement, on Saturday.

Shanto was simply in a different stratosphere at the University of Liberal Arts, Bangladesh cricket ground, dismantling Agrani Bank Cricket Club's bowling attack with an unbeaten 108 off just 90 balls, laced with seven fours and seven sixes.

His innings was the cornerstone of Abahani Limited's dominant nine-wicket victory.

Agrani Bank, batting first after winning the toss, had posted a competitive 178 all out in 42.1 overs, with Nasir Hossain top-scoring with a fighting 56 off 58 balls.

But Shanto made the target look utterly inconsequential from the moment he walked to the crease. 

Batting at a strike rate of 120, he took apart an attack that had no answer for his range and timing. 

Mahidul Islam Ankon provided excellent support with an unbeaten 56 at the other end, as Abahani cantered home in just 31.4 overs with nine wickets to spare.

For Mosaddek Hossain Saikat's side, it was a statement of intent.

Elsewhere, Mohammedan Sporting Club Ltd produced the most one-sided result of the day, crushing Gulshan Cricket Club by 237 runs at Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan (BKSP).

Towhid Hridoy's side piled up an imposing 345 for nine from their 50 overs, powered by Hridoy's 86 off 77, Mushfiqur Rahim's brisk 72 off 62, and Afif Hossain Dhrubo's 55.

In reply, Gulshan folded for a paltry 108 in 33.2 overs, with Taijul Islam claiming a five-wicket haul and Tanvir Islam chipping in with four.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Irfan Sukkur produced an electrifying 127 off 75 balls before retiring hurt, as Legends of Rupganj chased down Gazi Group Cricketers' 210 with relative comfort, reaching 211 for 3 in 32.2 overs to win by seven wickets.

Gazi Group captain Md Sabbir Hossen Shikder had earlier top-scored with a gritty 79, but it was never going to be enough against Rupganj's firepower.

The day's most breathless contest took place at BKSP ground three, where Bashundhara Strikers edged Brothers Union Ltd by just seven runs in a thriller.

Fazle Mahmud Rabbi retired hurt on a magnificent 132 off 113 balls as Bashundhara posted 324 for five. 

Brothers came agonisingly close in reply, posting 317 for nine off their 50 overs, with Shahriar Komol scoring 69 and Shariful Islam contributing 52.

Aminul Islam Biplob was the hero with the ball, taking five wickets for 48 runs to see Bashundhara over the line.

At Pubergaon Krira Shikkha Protishthan-2, City Club set Prime Bank Cricket Club 267 to win, and the match was still alive in the final overs with Prime Bank on 226 for eight, needing 41 from the last 20 balls.

Anamul Haque Anam's unbeaten century off 97 balls had given City Club a strong platform, and it proved just enough to keep them ahead.

Dhaka Leopards also won comfortably, beating Rupganj Tigers by 30 runs in the day's final match.

But the day belonged to Shanto.

On a day full of big runs and big performances, his hundred shone brightest of all.