Hat-trick glory for Abahani as Mohammedan fall short again

Abahani Limited sealed their 24th Dhaka Premier League title in dominant fashion on 29 april, overcoming arch-rivals Mohammedan Sporting Club by six wickets in what turned out to be a de facto final of the 2024–25 season.

The Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium hosted a fitting climax to the List A competition, with the two most storied clubs in Bangladeshi cricket meeting in a winner-takes-all clash.

Chasing a target of 241, Abahani were reduced to 77 for 3 at one point but recovered impressively through an unbroken 135-run partnership between captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat and Mohammad Mithun. The experienced duo guided the Sky Blues to victory with measured calm and class, finishing unbeaten on 78 and 66 respectively to spark celebrations in the Abahani camp.

Earlier, Mohammedan had won the toss and opted to bat first, putting up 240 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was built around two identical half-centuries from veterans Mahmudullah Riyad and Ariful Haque, who each contributed 50. Captain Rony Talukdar added 45, while Farhad Hossain made 42, but Mohammedan struggled to accelerate towards the end as Abahani's bowlers applied the brakes.

Mosaddek also contributed with the ball, taking two key wickets including both half-centurions, while left-arm pacer Mrittunjoy Chowdhury also picked up two wickets. Ripon Mondol, Mahfuzur Rabby and Mehrab chipped in with one wicket apiece to keep Mohammedan in check, denying them a late surge.

In reply, Abahani's chase got off to a shaky start when Shahriar Kamal fell for just 2, and opener Parvez Hossain Emon departed for 28. Mehrab's delivery accounted for Meherob Hossain, before Zishan Alam and the middle order steadied the innings. Zishan's 55 kept Abahani in the hunt until he too fell to Nasum Ahmed.

At 105 for 4, Mohammedan sensed an opening. But from there, Mosaddek and Mithun took charge, neutralising the bowlers with patience and composure. Both players reached their fifties and calmly took the team home with more than three overs to spare.

This triumph marks Abahani's third consecutive DPL crown and their seventh overall since the tournament gained List A status.

Mohammedan, in contrast, continue to chase their first DPL title since 2009, a drought that was extended once more by their old rivals in front of a tense crowd in Mirpur.