Riaz, Al Amin steer Scholars to thrilling three-wicket win over IUB

Riaz and Al Amin produced match-turning knocks to guide the University of Scholars to a three-wicket victory over Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) in a Group A clash of the ABG University Cup Cricket at Anvir Cricket Stadium, ABG Sports City, on Wednesday.

Chasing 205, Scholars suffered an early collapse, losing three wickets in the first 20 runs. However, Riaz and Al Amin steadied the innings with a crucial partnership to bring their side back into contention.

Riaz struck 62 off 52 balls, while Al Amin smashed 46 off just 20 deliveries to put Scholars in a strong position. Meraj then kept his nerve at the finish, scoring an unbeaten 23 off 15 balls to complete the chase and snatch victory from IUB.

Nasik Faiyaz was IUB's leading wicket-taker, claiming three scalps.

Earlier, Aman Ullah had set up a challenging target with a breathtaking 46-ball 110. His innings, featuring 11 sixes and a four, powered IUB to 204-8 after they were put in to bat.

Opener Atiqur Rahman also made a valuable contribution, scoring 48 off 36 balls. For Scholars, Meraj took four wickets for 37 runs, while Hasib claimed two and Imran and Rakib Hasan picked up one each.

The ABG University Cup was initiated by Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) chairman Sayem Anvir Sobhan to bring university students together through floodlit cricket and promote sportsmanship among young people.