Sonargaon eye revenge as ULAB stand between them and glory

An unbeaten run, a coveted trophy and an old score to settle. Sonargaon University will have more than just the championship at stake when they take on University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) in the grand final of the ABG University Cup 2026 at Anvir Cricket Stadium, ABG Sports City, on Friday.

The two sides will lock horns at 5:00pm, with both having negotiated the tournament without a defeat. But for Sonargaon, the final also offers an opportunity to settle an old score against ULAB, who edged them out in the semi-final of the NSU Inter-University Sports Carnival T10 tournament on 31 October, 2023.

ULAB won that encounter by just six runs, posting 112-1 before restricting Sonargaon to 106-5. More than three years later, the two university sides are preparing for another high-stakes showdown, this time with the inaugural ABG University Cup crown on the line.

Sonargaon have looked formidable throughout the competition, combining explosive batting with disciplined bowling. Their batting firepower was particularly evident in the group stage when they smashed a tournament-record 268-6 against United International University in a 102-run victory.

Top-order batter Tamim led that assault with a breathtaking 81 off just 32 balls. Habibur Sheikh, better known as Munna, has also been instrumental, while the likes of Tousif Hossain and AB Jibon have provided the finishing touch.

Their semi-final against University of Scholars further underlined their title credentials. Chasing 166, Sonargaon cruised to a seven-wicket victory with 26 balls to spare, thanks to an explosive 52 off 31 deliveries from Habibur.

Tousif remained unbeaten on 42 off 21 balls, while Jibon chipped in with an unbeaten 29 off just 14 deliveries to complete a commanding chase. The bowling unit has also delivered, with Maidul Islam and Fahim Munshi playing important roles in the semi-final victory.

ULAB, meanwhile, have been equally impressive on their way to the final. They hammered Fareast International University (FIU) by 81 runs in the first semi-final to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

Their batting strength lies in a formidable top order featuring Shabab Jamil Ferdous, Zakirul Ahmed and Farhan Jani. Shabab struck 63 off 47 balls against FIU, while Farhan contributed 50 off 34 deliveries. Zakirul added an unbeaten 59 off 36 balls to take the game away from their opponents.

Zakirul has been one of ULAB's most consistent performers, having also struck 77 against Daffodil International University in the group stage. He is the current top-run scorer among batters.

ULAB's bowling attack is another major strength. Arifur Rahman delivered a remarkable spell of 2-6 in 3.4 overs, including two maidens, against FIU. Jisan Parag has also impressed, while the team's disciplined bowling has played a major role in their unbeaten campaign.

The confidence within the ULAB camp is unmistakable. Speaking after their semi-final triumph, one of the team's representatives said reaching the final of the inaugural competition was a significant achievement, adding that winning the championship had been their target from the beginning.

"Naturally, our objective is to become champions. There is no second option for us. We have come here to win, and it does not really matter who our opponents are," he mentioned after the match.

He also praised Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) for organising the competition, describing the opportunity to compete in such a tournament at university level as extraordinary.

For Sonargaon, however, the mission is clear: avenge the narrow defeat of 2023 and finish an unbeaten campaign with the trophy in their hands.

The ABG University Cup was initiated by ABG Chairman Sayem Sobhan Anvir to provide private university cricketers with the experience of playing under floodlights while promoting sportsmanship and competitive cricket at the university level.