Rain wreaked havoc across the third round of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) on Saturday, forcing several matches to be decided under revised targets while the fixture between Abahani Limited and Brothers Union was pushed onto the reserve day. Four matches were completed despite the disruptions, with centuries from Naim Sheikh, Zakir Hasan and Shahadat Hossain Sobug providing the standout moments of a truncated day.
The innings of the day came from Naim Sheikh at the ULAB Cricket Ground, where Mohammedan Sporting Club posted a formidable 345 against Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club. The opener was in devastating form, striking 145 from 136 balls with 12 sixes and five fours, while Yasir Ali chipped in with a solid 69. In reply, Rupganj collapsed to 53 for 5 inside 17 overs, with Mrittunjoy Chowdhury doing the bulk of the damage with four wickets. Md Rakib, on 8, and SaJib Miah, on 9, will resume on the reserve day with Rupganj staring at a heavy defeat.
At Pubergaon, Abahani Limited were boosted by half-centuries from Mahidul Islam (83), Meherob Hasan (77) and Mosaddek Hossain (62) to post 283. Brothers Union were 49 for 1 after 12 overs when rain brought an early end to proceedings. Zahiduzzaman Khan, on 16, and Adil Bin Siddik, on 14, will resume on the reserve day, with Brothers requiring a further 235 runs from 38 remaining overs.
Gulshan Cricket Club secured a commanding 60-run victory over Agrani Bank Cricket Club under the rain rule. Shahadat Hossain Sobug anchored the innings with a fine century, striking 132 from 121 balls to power Gulshan to 301. Agrani Bank were set a revised target of 193 from 26 overs but were bowled out for 132, well short of their goal.
At the Cricketers Academy ground, Bashundhara Kings defeated Gazi Group Cricketers by 10 runs under the rain rule. Batting first, Bashundhara were bowled out for 235 before rain intervened to set Gazi Group a revised target of 194 from 34 overs. The chase fell short as Gazi Group were dismissed for 183.
At BKSP Ground Three, Legends of Rupganj posted 227 before rain interrupted the reply. Prime Bank Cricket Club had reached 108 for the loss of wickets in 25.4 overs when play was halted, leaving them 20 runs ahead on the rain rule to claim a narrow victory.
