Newly promoted Agrani Bank, Shinepukur register big wins

Newly-promoted Agrani Bank began their Dhaka Premier League campaign by trouncing defending champions Gazi Group Cricketers by eight wickets.

Batting first, Gazi Group were bundled out for 176 runs in 46.1 overs. Shahbaz Chouhan took three wickets while Al-Amin Hossain and Abdur Razzak took two each. Soumya Sarkar then struck an unbeaten 89 off 122 balls with seven fours and four sixes, to help Agrani Bank chase down the target in 39.3 overs.

Shinepukur Cricket Club, the other promoted side, also marked their Dhaka Premier League debut with a big win. They beat Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club by five wickets after Afif Hossain and Shuvagata Hom struck fifties to comfortably chase down their target of 189.

Doleshwar had earlier reached 188 for 7 in 50 overs, with Marshall Ayub top-scoring with 74 off 94 balls with three fours and two sixes. Shuvagata and Sujon Howlader took two wickets each.

Abahani Limited began their campaign by crushing Khelaghar Samaj Kallyan Samity by nine wickets. Batting first, Khelaghar were bowled out for 154, with Moinul Islam top-scoring with 43. Abahani captain Mashrafe Mortaza, Sunzamul Islam and Saqlain Sajib took three wickets each. Anamul Haque struck six fours and five sixes in his unbeaten 73-ball 86.