Picture Credit: DPL/BCB
Abahani Limited have been crowned as the champions of Dhaka Premier League 2021 after they registered an 8-run win over Prime Bank Cricket Club in a nail-biting contest on Saturday. Coming into the last league game with 22 points to their name, the stage was set for a virtual finale between the two sides, where Abahani Limited came out on top.
Mohammad Saifuddin stole the show in Dhaka
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Abahani Limited found themselves on the backfoot after they lost three wickets inside the powerplay. However, Nazmul Hossain Shanto (45 off 40) and Mosaddek Hossain (40 off 39) got their side back into the contest with a solid 70-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Mohammad Saifuddin (21* off 13) played an explosive cameo towards the end to take Abahani to a competitive total of 150/7 in 20 overs.
In reply, Prime Bank Cricket Club lost their way as Saifuddin followed his impressive batting display with a scintillating spell as he dismissed Rony Talukdar, Anamul Haque, Nayeem Hasan and Rubel Hossain, finishing with figures of 4/35 in 4 overs. Although Alok Kapali (34* off 17) played a valiant knock in the end, Shohidul Islam kept his nerves in the final over to guide Abahani to a tournament-winning 8-run victory.