The New Nation - Internet Edition

BKSP upset MSC by 4 wkts

UNB, Dhaka

An all-round performance by Nasir Hossain enabled BKSP to upset title contender Mohammedan SC by four wickets in a super league match of the Metropolis Premier Division Cricket League at the Narayanganj Osmani Stadium (NOS) on Monday.

In the day's other two super league matches, league leaders Biman Bangladesh Cricket Team notched their 11th victory outplaying Surjotarun Club by six wickets at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS), while Abahani Limited beat City Club by 94 runs at the BKSP ground-2.

After the day's outcome, Biman Bangladesh Cricket team maintained solo lead securing 23 points from 13 matches. Abahani Limited moved up to the 2nd slot collecting 21 points, while old foes Mohammedan SC slipped to 3rd position with 20 points, both playing 13 matches.

BKSP improved their position to 4th collecting 17 points, while Surjotarun Club and City Club remained at previous 12 and 11 points respectively.

Opting to bat first at the NOS, Mohammedan SC faced initial batting collapse losing three top order batsmen for 38 runs and were finally all out for 162 in 47.4 overs.

Rokibul Hassan top scored 57 runs off 92 balls with five fours and a six, while Aftab Ahmed made 21, Arshad Aqeel 18 and Anwar Hossain 14.

Nasir Hossain and Mosiur Rahman claimed three wickets each for 29 and 35 runs respectively.

Chasing the moderate target, BKSP cantered to victory scoring the required 163 runs in 39.4 overs for the loss of six wickets.

Skipper Mushfiqur Rahim contributed team highest 51 runs off 98 balls with four boundaries, while Nasir Hossain added useful 34 runs off 52 balls with four fours and a six.

Pacer Dollar Mahmud and Arshad bagged two wickets each for 33 and 43 runs respectively.

Nasir, who earlier took three wickets, was later adjudged man of the match for his all-round performance.

Batting first at the SBNS, Surjotarun Club were dismissed for 155 runs in 44.2 overs.

Number three Nizamuddin Ripon top scored 82 runs off 114 balls with nine fours and three sixes, while skipper Khaled Mashud Pilot and Habibul Bashar made 25 each.

Pace spearhead Mashrafe Bin Mortaza claimed four wickets for 16 runs, while spinner Nabil Samad grabbed three wickets for 21. The Narail born pacer, Mashrafe, was later adjudged man of the match.

In reply, Biman Bangladesh Cricket Team raced to victory scoring 159 runs in 40.2 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Left-handed national opener Tamim Iqbal played a patient knock of 68 runs off 95 balls with seven fours, while Alok Kapali and Mashrafe remained not out on 31 and 7 runs to see their side claim an important victory.

Monwar Hossain grabbed two wickets for 40 runs, while Nizamuddin Ripon and Mohammad Sharif took one wicket apiece.

At the BKSP-2, Abahani Limited batted first to post 229 for all in 49.5 overs, riding Nadif Chowdhury's not out 80 off 84 balls with two fours and six sixes. Nadif was later named man of the match.

Opener Mahbubul Karim 24, Ziaur Rahman 23 and Arafat Sunny 22 were the other notable scorers for the popular Dhanmondi outfit.

Atiqur Rahman and Shafaq Al Zabir grabbed three wickets each for 31 and 54 runs.

In reply, City Club were all out for 135 in 42.1 overs. Middle order Sumon Barua scored 29 runs, while number seven Arafat Salahuddin made 26 and opener Golam Mabud 23.

Veteran spinner Mohammad Rafique produced an impressive bowling figure claiming three wickets for just 8 runs in 7.1 overs, while Arafat Sunny and Rezaul Karim took two wickets apiece.

Surjotorun vs Biman: Surjotorun - 155/10 in 44.2 overs; Nijamudduin 82; Mashrafe 4/16, Biman - 159/4 in 40.2 overs; Tamim 68, Alok 31.

Abahani vs City Club: Abahani 229/10 in 49.5 overs; Nadif 80*; Jabir 3/54, Atiq 3/31, City Club - 135/10 in 42.1; Sumon 29; Rafique 3/8

BKSP vs Mohammedan

Mohammedan - 162 for all in 47.4 overs, Roukibul 57, Aftab 21, Nasir 3/29, Mosiur 3/35, BKSP - 163 for 6 in 39.4 overs - Mushfiqur Rahim 51, Nasir 34, Dollar 2/33, Arshad 2/43

Abahani share top slot beating Ajax 3-1

UNB, Dhaka

Joint champions Abahani Limited share the top slot with another joint champions Usha KC in the Metropolis Premier Division Hockey League as they came from behind to beat Ajax SC by 3-1 goals at the Maulana Bhashani National Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Mohammedan SC crushed lowly Sadharan Bima KS by 6-0 goals after dominating the first half 3-0 in the day's other match at the same venue in the afternoon.

After the day's outcome, both Abahani and Usha KC jointly dominate the league table with all-win record securing full 15 points from straight five outings.

Ajax SC took the lead in the 22nd minute through a field goal by skipper Rahat Sarwar much to the frustration of the Abahani fans.

Mohammad Modasser brought relief to the Abahani camp as he scored the equalizer with a field goal in the 29th minute, leaving the first half 1-1.

Vice-captain Russell Mahmud Jimmy put Abahani ahead in the 54th minute from a penalty stroke, while penalty corner specialist Mamunur Rahman Chayan sealed the fate of the match in the 68th minute scoring from a penalty corner.

Earlier, in the day's first match, Zahid bin Talib scored two field goals for Mohammedan SC -- in the 2nd and 12th minutes. Tapash Barman increased the winners' margin scoring one more goal from a penalty corner in the 42nd minute to lead the first half 3-0.

Skipper Ariful Haque Prince further widened the margin with a field goal in the 42nd minute, while Syed Al Masum scored the fifth goal for Mohammedan SC from a penalty corner just two minutes later.

Abdus Sajjad John completed the winners' tally scoring another field goal in the 65th minute (6-0).

Today's matches: Dhaka Mariner Youngs Club vs Bangladesh SC (2:30 pm); Azad SC vs Wari Club (4pm).

Hosts Comilla DSA clinch zonal title to reach final round

UNB, Dhaka

Hosts Comilla DSA clinched the zonal title to reach the final round of the 28th National Cricket Championship beating Chittagong DSA by 43 runs in the zonal final at the Comilla Stadium on Monday.

Earlier, hosts Sylhet and Khulna DSA emerged champions to reach the final round of the national meet.

Batting first after winning the toss, Comilla DSA scored 257 for 9 in stipulated 50 over with Kamrul contributing 70 runs and Manik 42 runs.

Imrul and Rahat captured two wickets each for 40 and 54 runs respectively.

In reply, Chittgaong DSA were all out for 214 in 44.1 overs with Ashraful scoring 40 runs and Arafat making 34.

Ashique picked up three wickets for 27 runs, while Nazrul also grabbed three wickets for 47 runs.

Meanwhile, Rajshahi DSA moved into the zonal final eliminating Naogaon DSA by eight wickets in the semis at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Monday.

Rajshahi will play Rangpur DSA in the zonal final tomorrow (Tuesday) at the same venue.

Winning the toss, Naogaon DSA opened the innings first to be dismissed for 106 runs in 41.4 overs with Avijit scoring 24 and Nur Mohammad 23 runs.

Raju caused the major damage to Naogoan innings grabbing four wickets for just 15 runs.

In reply, Rajshahi raced to victory scoring 108 runs in 17.2 overs for the loss of two wickets runs with Romeo contributing not out 30 and Asif 27 runs.

Masud and Abu took one wicket each.

Ferguson turns sights to Europe

BBC Online

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has set his sights on the Champions League final after clinching his 10th league title.

United won their 17th title with a 2-0 win at Wigan Athletic as Chelsea, their opponents in Moscow on 21 May, could only draw 1-1 at home to Bolton.

"We are bouncing into that final now," Ferguson said. "If we'd lost the title it would have been different.

"If this team goes on now and wins the European Cup, it will be my best ever."

United carved out their Premier League victory with a hard-fought victory against Steve Bruce's side, the goals coming from Cristiano Ronaldo via the penalty spot and Ryan Giggs on the day he equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's club record of 758 appearances for United.

And Giggs said he was confident United could go on to win Ferguson a second European Cup to add to the one the team won in 1999.

"We have a really solid base here, starting with the likes of Edwin (van der Sar) and Rio (Ferdinand) at the back, plus players who can damage teams and score goals.

"Next week we'll be ready for Moscow. We need to make the most of the occasion as they don't come around very often and hopefully we'll win the Champions League."

Ferguson said it was fitting that Giggs scored the goal that put the seal on the title and allowed the celebrations to get under way at the JJB Stadium.

"It was a tough one all right. For most of the game we played well but there were some nervous moments," Ferguson said.

"I was pleased with that second goal. It makes it 10 (title medals) today for Ryan Giggs which is fantastic."

Wigan manager Steve Bruce, a former team-mate of Giggs, said the Welshman's goal had provided a fitting ending to United's Premier League campaign.

"I was fortunate to play on his debut, when he scored," Bruce said. "He has equalled the record and he is just a great, great player. He epitomises what Manchester United are about."

Giggs added: "I think we have deserved to win the title this season. Trophies mean a lot to me.

"It was always going to a be a bit nervous for us until we got the second goal.

"I'm obviously very proud to equal the record of someone like Sir Bobby Charlton, who has been watching me develop at the club since I was 14 years old.

"It means a lot as he is probably the best player in the history of the club."

Ferguson believes his team can now go on to break Liverpool's record of 18 league titles.

"I think it will come - this side is young. There is plenty left in them," he said.

"I said before the game that I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about, championships and trophies.

"I am at a great club which makes it easier for me than the rest."

United assistant manager Carlos Quieroz paid tribute to the desire of the players, telling BBC Sport: "Our hunger comes from the feeling of achievement in what is always a very competitive environment.

"We always have a challenge within the club - nothing is ever enough for us, and that is what drives us on.

"The desire is always here and there are still a lot of things left to do."

Bangladesh football team returns home

UNB, Dhaka

Bangladesh football team returned home early Monday after their exit from the group stage of the AFC Challenge Cup held in Kyrgyzstan.

Earlier, on Friday, the national booters lost 1-2 to hosts Kyrgyzstan in their 2nd group C match at Spartak Stadium in Bishkek.

Afghanistan is the lone team from the group to advance to the next round.

Earlier, in the opening group match on Monday (May 5), Bangladesh drew goalless with Afghanistan, who beat hosts Kyrgyzstan by a solitary goal in their 2nd match on Wednesday (May 7).

Chandpur CA earn 6-wicket victory over Kalabagan CA

UNB, Dhaka

Chandpur Cricket Academy earned a six-wicket victory over Kalabagan Cricket Academy in a relegation league match of the Metropolis 2nd Division Cricket League at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium (DCS) here Monday.

Coin-favoured Kalabagan CA batted first to be all out for 179 in 49 overs. Middle order Imran Hossain score 44 runs, while one down Sajjad Hossain made 39.

In reply, Chandpur CA easily reached their target scoring 183 runs in 46.2 overs for the loss of four wickets. Rubel Hossain top scored 49 runs, while Manik Khan contributed not out 48 and Mohammad Pallab 36 runs.

In the day's other match, Rayer Bazar SC (181/5) beat Udity Club (178/10) by five wickets at the Dhaka University Ground (DUG).

Red Sun KC drew 1-1 with Nabin Sangha

UNB, Dhaka

Red Sun KC played to a one-all draw with Satrawja Nabin Sangha in the opening match of the Dhaka City Corporation Pioneer Football (Under-16) League at the Jagannath University ground in Dhupkhola here today (Monday).

Newly elected vice-president of Bangladesh Football Federation Shawkat Ali Khan Jahangir inaugurated the country's biggest league through an East Zone match. BFF member Azfar-uz-Zaman Sohrab was present.

Sunny put Nabin Sangha ahead in the 6th minute, while Zahed restored the parity for Red Sun KC in the 17th minute in the day's opener.

Today's matches: Bangladesh Sporting Club vs Commissioner Shafiuddin Smriti Sangsad (3:15 pm), and Mansoor Sporting Club vs East End Junior (4:30 pm).