Sadman spins NSU to thrilling two-run win over AIUB

Left-arm spinner Sadman produced a match-winning five-wicket haul as North South University (NSU) snatched a thrilling two-run victory over American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) in their Group B clash of the ABG University Cup Cricket at Anvir Cricket Stadium, ABG Sports City.

Defending a modest 147-run target, NSU looked under pressure as AIUB made a promising start to their chase. Openers Labib and Azmir Ahmed scored 26 and 21 respectively before Adal Zabber and Yeasir built a strong partnership to keep AIUB in contention.

However, NSU turned the match around in the middle overs, with Sadman dismantling the AIUB batting line-up. The left-arm spinner claimed five wickets for just 19 runs in his four overs, putting the brakes on the chase and leaving AIUB struggling to keep up with the required run rate.

Alve Chowdhury and Afnan Tahmid provided valuable support, claiming two wickets apiece as NSU held their nerve to seal the narrow victory in a last-over finish.

Earlier, NSU had struggled to find their rhythm after being put under pressure by AIUB's disciplined bowling attack. Openers Sattajit Barua and Rakayed Haider departed for nine off 10 balls and 12 off 13 deliveries respectively.

Raiyan Shabab briefly counter-attacked with 31 off 18 balls, but Farjan Ahmed emerged as NSU's mainstay with an aggressive 55 off 38 deliveries, featuring four fours and four sixes.

AIUB's bowlers shared the wickets, with Abdullah Al Toufiq leading the attack with three scalps. Yeasir Arafat and Mashrafe picked up two wickets each, while every bowler used claimed at least one wicket, restricting NSU to 146 in their 20 overs.

The match offered a different picture from the previous encounters at the venue, where IUB, University of Scholars and Sonargaon University had all crossed the 200-run mark. This time, both pace and spin troubled the batters under the floodlights.

The contest also drew enthusiastic support from the stands. NSU supporter Sanjana expressed confidence in her university's chances, saying: “Although AIUB are performing well, InshaAllah NSU will win. We want to thank ABG for arranging such a tournament and bringing university players together under the floodlights.”

She also called for similar opportunities for women cricketers. “We want these kinds of tournaments for girls as well. My university, NSU, and I are ready for a women's tournament,” she told Daily Sun.

The ABG University Cup, initiated by Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) Chairman Sayem Sobhan Anvir, aims to promote competitive sport and sportsmanship among university students by bringing campus cricket under the floodlights.