‘Tried to finish it quickly’ – Emon explains mindset behind record-breaking fifty

Parvez Hossain Emon has revealed that his record-breaking 15-ball half-century in the Dhaka Premier League was the result of a deliberate plan to finish the match quickly and improve Abahani's net run rate.

"The target was low, so I tried to finish the match as quickly as possible. Since we're in the title race, the net run rate is important. That's what was on my mind—how to finish quickly," Emon told reporters at the Mirpur Academy two days after the match.

On 06 April, the left-handed opener lit up BKSP with a breathtaking 61* off just 23 balls, smashing four fours and six sixes. Chasing just 89 runs after Shinepukur Cricket Club were bowled out for 88, Emon's onslaught ensured Abahani cruised to a 10-wicket victory in just 6.4 overs—the shortest successful chase in this season's competition.

The innings made Emon the fastest Bangladeshi batter to score a fifty in recognised cricket, surpassing Shuvagata Hom's 16-ball effort in the 2019 DPL T20. He also broke the List A record previously held by Forhad Reza, who scored a 50 off 18 balls in 2019 for Prime Doleshwar.

Emon added that while the strike rate was unusually high, it was not his standard approach. "I don't go in with a plan to play aggressively all the time. I play according to the situation. The strike rate I had on Sunday isn't typical. Sometimes it's 90, 95—it varies depending on what the game demands."

The innings also came at a crucial time, as Abahani remain in a tight championship battle. Tight bowling from Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Ripon Mondol, and Rakibul Hasan had earlier dismantled Shinepukur, setting up the stage for Emon's assault.

Now focused on replicating his dominance at higher levels, Emon acknowledged the greater challenges of international cricket. "International cricket is a different level. You have to handle much tougher conditions and bowlers. We're trying to figure out how to dominate in that arena too."