The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Abahani Limited registered a seven-wicket victory over the title aspirants Biman Bangladesh Airlines in their Super League match of the Ispahani Mirzapur Tea Premier Division Cricket League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.

After yesterday's outcome, Abahani Limited and Biman Bangladesh Airlines gained 25 points each from their respective 15 matches.

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will face Mohammedan Sporting Club on May 21 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in their last Super League match while Abahani Limited will face Surjo Tarun Club at the BKSP Ground also in their last match on the same day. If Biman and Abahani win their respective ensuing matches then, the championship will be decided in their head-to-head result. As Biman defeated Abahani by 70 runs in their first league match and Abahani beat Biman in their Super League tie thus, the fate of the championship will be decided by virtue of better run rate.

Sent into bat first, Biman Bangladesh were bundled out for just 125 runs off 36.3 overs.

In reply, Abahani reached the winning target in 22.4 overs making 129 for the loss of three wickets.

Alok Kapali of Biman was the only notable run getter. He knocked a polished 33 off 51 balls amid five fours.

Medium pacer Nazmul Hossain was the key bowler in wrecking Biman innings. He harpooned four wickets at the cost of 14 runs with a good support of Mohammad Rafique, Arafat Sunny, Talha Jubaer, who scalped two each for 15, 19 and 29 runs respectively.

Later, Abahani's Sri Lanka recruit Twilina Kandanbi remained undefeated with 48 using 47 deliveries. He sent the ball six times through the ropes and two times over the fence.

One-down Shahriar Nafees was the other notable scorer for Abahani. He hit 36 playing 30 balls including six strokes beyond the ropes.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, Mushfiqur Rahman, Mahbubul Alam of Biman took one wicket apiece.