Abahani Limited were crowned champions of the Dhaka Premier League for a record-extending 24th time after a commanding six-wicket victory over arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club in what effectively served as the final of the 2024–25 List A season.
The much-anticipated showdown, held at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, pitted Bangladesh’s two most storied domestic clubs against each other in a winner-takes-all encounter. And it was Abahani who rose to the occasion, producing a composed chase after a wobble early in their innings.
Set a target of 241, the Sky Blues found themselves under pressure at 77 for 3. But a match-winning, unbroken 135-run stand between captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat and the experienced Mohammad Mithun steadied the ship. The duo displayed remarkable poise to take Abahani home with more than three overs to spare, Mosaddek finishing unbeaten on 78 and Mithun on 66.
Earlier, Mohammedan elected to bat after winning the toss and posted 240 for 7 from their 50 overs. Their innings was anchored by veteran campaigners Mahmudullah Riyad and Ariful Haque, both of whom registered identical half-centuries (50 apiece). Skipper Rony Talukdar added a useful 45, while Farhad Hossain chipped in with 42.
Despite the solid platform, Mohammedan faltered in the final overs, unable to shift gears under disciplined bowling from Abahani. Mosaddek made an impact with the ball too, claiming the crucial wickets of both half-centurions. Left-arm pacer Mrittunjoy Chowdhury also bagged two wickets, while Ripon Mondol, Mahfuzur Rabby and Mehrab contributed one apiece to stifle Mohammedan’s progress.
In response, Abahani’s chase began shakily. Shahriar Kamal departed early for 2, followed by Parvez Hossain Emon for 28. Meherob Hossain was undone by Mehrab’s delivery, and when Zishan Alam — who had steadied the innings with a composed 55 — fell to Nasum Ahmed, Abahani were precariously placed at 105 for 4.
But any hopes of a Mohammedan resurgence were dashed as Mosaddek and Mithun shut the door with maturity and class. The pair rotated the strike expertly and punished the loose deliveries, calmly steering their side to a third successive DPL crown — and their seventh since the tournament gained List A status.
For Mohammedan, the wait for DPL silverware continues. Their last title came back in 2009, and the defeat — in front of a packed and passionate Mirpur crowd — extended that drought at the hands of their fiercest rivals.
Abahani’s latest triumph only adds to their illustrious legacy in Bangladeshi domestic cricket, showing their dominance in the country’s premier 50-over competition.