Bangladesh: Biman surmount Abahani alp (17 January 1999)

17 January 1999

Bangladesh: Biman surmount Abahani alp

Our Sports Reporter

Biman made a remarkable turn-around after two consecutive defeats when the national airline outfit, thriving on twin tons, floored holders Abahani Krira Chakra by six wickets in an eventful Janakantha Premier League match, which concluded at the Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

It was a mouthful performance from Manzoor Akhter and Aminul Islam which saw Biman cruise to 325 for four, a target that no team had dared to cross this season.

Manzoor hammered a stroke-filled 111, the second century by the Pakistani in the league after a dazzling 124 n.o. against Mohammedan, and national captain Aminul Islam scored an unbeaten 107 as Biman, chasing a huge Abahani total of 324 for nine in the stipulated 80 overs, reached the summit with more than four overs to spare.

The two experienced campaigners came to the Biman rescue in the nick of time with an absorbing stand of 206 runs for the fourth wicket to take the match away from the firm grip of Abahani. It was a treat to watch the way Manzoor Akhter and Aminul mixed caution with aggression to dead-lift Biman from a precarious 80 for three to 286.

Abahani wrested an early initiative when medium-pacer Neeyamur Rashid captured all the three wickets that fell in the morning session. But the success of the popular Dhanmondi outfit ended at that point when Manzoor joined Aminul in a spectacular recovery operation.

The two started slowly, nudging and pushing for sharp singles. But once they settled in the middle, they took the depleted and wayward Abahani attack to the sword.

Manzoor, the more aggressive of the two batsmen, scored his 50 off 75 balls. But the Pakistani right-hander needed only another 51 balls to reach the magical three-figure mark. He reached his second century in style, hitting two consecutive boundaries against off-spinner Saidul Islam in the 68th over.

The two were eventually separated in the 66th over when Manzoor, who clubbed 13 sweetly-timed fours in his chanceless 132-ball knock, offered a straight-forward catch to Saidul at mid-wicket off seamer Hasibul.

But Aminul was not ready to resign without scoring his first ton in the league. The dapper right-hander, who played sensibly in his polished 163-ball vigil at the crease, hammered nine fours for his undefeated 111.

With this win Biman crossed their last major hurdle in the league. They are now on equal terms with Abahani, Mohammedan and Kalabagan, all having six wins against a couple of defeats. But Biman will enjoy a mental edge when the league resumes after the Eid-break as they are now left with three matches against lesser threatening opponents.

For Abahani, the defeat served a huge blow in their bid for a hat trick of League titles. The latest debacle of the holders brought smiles on the face of last year's runners-up Brothers Union, who are now leading the table with seven wins against a defeat.

Meanwhile, in the other match of the day, Agrani Bank, aided by a century from their opener Sajjad Kadir, recorded an impressive five-wicket win over Wari.

The young wicketkeeper-batsman scored a brilliant 102 off 164 balls as Agrani Bank, chasing a moderate Wari total of 240, reached 244 for five in 68.5 overs.

Kadir hammered 13 fours in his match-winning knock. He was ably supported by Pakistani Saeed Azad, who scored a defiant 61 off 117 balls. The duo put on 156 runs for the third wickets after the bankers were reduced to two for 37 in 15 overs.

It was Agrani Bank's fourth win against as many defeats. On the other hand, it was Wari's fifth defeat from eight outings.

The Premier League will be suspended for a week from today for the Eid festival. The League will resume on January 24.

Source :: The Bangladesh Daily Star (https://www.dailystarnews.com)