DPL round 2: Mohammedan sniff rare title but Abahani and Prime still in race
The Title Race Heats Up
With eight rounds of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League (DPL) now concluded as of June 2, the landscape of the competition has become significantly clearer. All 12 participating teams have completed their first eight matches, setting the stage for a tense final sprint. In a significant change this season, the absence of a Super League format means that the league standings are final, placing immense pressure on every remaining fixture.
Mohammedan Sporting Club’s Golden Opportunity
High-spending Mohammedan Sporting Club (MSC) currently finds itself in the enviable position of leading the points table. Having navigated the season with consistency, they are now within striking distance of securing their first DPL title in 17 years. The atmosphere within the camp suggests a side that is hungry to end their long trophy drought, though the margin for error remains razor-thin with only three rounds of action left to play.
The Chasers: Abahani and Prime Bank
While Mohammedan sits at the top, the defending champions, Abahani Limited, refuse to relinquish their crown easily. Their campaign began on a difficult note with two consecutive defeats, a start that threatened to derail their title defense early on. However, a remarkable six-match winning streak has thrust them back into the heart of the contention. They are currently locked on 12 points alongside Prime Bank Cricket Club. While Prime Bank sits third due to an inferior net run rate, their explosive batting lineup keeps them firmly in the hunt for the trophy.
Individual Brilliance in the DPL
The individual performances this season have been nothing short of spectacular, with several players stepping up when it mattered most. Prime Bank’s Shahadat Hossain has been a revelation, accumulating 491 runs and nearing the 500-run milestone following his latest century. Close behind is MSC’s Towhid Hridoy, who has emerged as a talismanic figure for his side. Hridoy has been in sublime touch, tallying 427 runs at an impressive average of 71.16, bolstered by one century and three fifties. His form is particularly encouraging as he prepares for Bangladesh’s upcoming ODIs against Australia. Additionally, Agrani Bank’s Mahfijul Islam has crossed the 400-run mark, showcasing his consistency with two centuries to his name.
A notable record was set when Prime Bank openers Shahadat and Tanzid Hasan both scored centuries in a 155-run win over Brothers Union. This marked the seventh time in DPL history that both openers hit hundreds in the same game, with the Prime Bank pair responsible for four of these instances.
The Rise of the Mystery Spinners
Bowling honors have been dominated by mystery spinners who have confounded even the most experienced batters. Prime Bank’s Aliss Al Islam leads the wicket-taking charts with 22 scalps, six ahead of City Club’s Abdul Gaffar Saqlain. Aliss has already claimed a hat-trick this season, proving his ability to change the complexion of a match in a single over. Meanwhile, newcomer Md Rubel has made an immediate impact for Gazi Group Cricketers, claiming 15 wickets at an average of 15.26, including a stunning 6 for 23 against Dhaka Leopards.
Survival Battles and Future Prospects
At the other end of the table, the battle for survival is just as intense. Brothers Union, Rupganj Tigers, and Gulshan Cricket Club (GCC) are all struggling on two points each, making them prime candidates for relegation. While the Tigers showed signs of life in the latest round, the others face a steep climb to avoid the drop.
Looking ahead, the selectors are keeping a close eye on rising stars for the High Performance team’s series against Zimbabwe A. Players like Aliss, Rubel, and hard-hitting opener Habibur Rahman—who famously struck 26 runs in a single over against Nahid Rana—are all firmly on the radar for national team recognition.
