Mosaddek keeps Abahani hopes alive
Sports Reporter
Mosaddek Hossain Saikat played the innings of his life to keep Abahani Limited in the hunt for the super league phase of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) as he stayed tenacious, unleashing shots at will to help the side overcome a mighty target set by Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club at BKSP-3 ground yesterday.
With the side in danger of being eliminated from the elite round in case of just one defeat, the 20-year old kept his nerve in the adrenaline pumping moment and struck a consecutive six and four when Abahani needed eight runs to seal the deal in the last two balls.
He was unbeaten on 57 off just 35 finally after driving his side to a nervy four-wicket victory over Prime Doleshwar who was the joint-league leaders of the points table with Mohammedan before the match.
The match was reduced to a 28-over-affair after rain dented the progress of the full over game. Prime Doleshwar compiled a daunting total of 191 for seven in 28 overs thanks to a whirlwind 56 ball-72 runs from Nasir Hossain. But Saikats heroic helped the side got over the line in a tense finish to the game with Abahani making 194 for seven.
In a must-win game, Abahani made a horrendous start by losing openers-Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das for 25 runs in just six overs. Captain Tamim made just 10 while Liton scored 11. The match was tilted towards the Prime Doleshwar but Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan, returned from IPL, held together the innings in impeccable fashion. They combined for a 74-run off just 60 balls to not only set the tune but also kept the run rate under control.
Farhad Reza struck at this point, taking out Shanto on 39 while Doleshwars Indian recruit left arm spinner Ashok Maneria dismissed Shakib on 45 to leave Abahani 119 for four. Shakib hit three fours and one six in his 40 balls knock while Shantos knock came up with the help of two fours and one six in 40 balls.
Al-Amin Hossain then scattered the wicket of Rajat Bhatia on 15 and made Doleshwar a favourite to win the game. Abahani still needed 46 off 31 when Bhatia got out. Saikat was the last recognised batsman in the crease at the moment and took the onus to bail the side out of danger. But Doleshwar kept them under pressure taking wickets and bowling with disciplined manner.
The match subsequently went to the last over with Abahani needing 11 runs. Farhad Reza fed Saikat a dot ball in the first ball of the last over before he took a single to give the strike to Mohammad Shahazada. Reza dismissed him in the third ball to leave Abahani a tough equation of taking 10 runs off three balls. Fortunately Saikat came back in the strike when Shahazada gave a catch to be dismissed.
He firstly took a doubles before plundering Reza a six and four in the last two balls to give Abahani tent a huge sigh of relief. Saikat smashed seven fours and two sixes in his match defining knock that sent the fans in delirium.
Doleshwar also made a shaky start as they were left 58 for four in 11th overs with Taskin Ahmed, Shakib Al Hasan and Saqlain Sajib bowling in controlled aggression.
Nasir Hossain however counterattacked in style to make Abahanis plan disarray. He tore apart the Abahani bowling in magnificent style to help Doleshwar set a huge total what made them absolute favourite before Saikat sublime knock frustrated them.
