Sohan's heroics outshine Nasir, Gazi Group seal Super League spot, Shoriful’s six-for powers Rupganj

The Dhaka Premier League produced a thrilling set of matches on 10 April 2025, with standout performances and crucial wins shaping the race for the Super League. Nurul Hasan Sohan's near-century guided Dhanmondi to a narrow win over Rupganj Tigers despite Nasir Hossain's valiant effort, while Gazi Group Cricketers and Legends of Rupganj both sealed their Super League spots with commanding victories over Partex Sporting Club and Brothers Union respectively.

Nasir's fifty in vain as Rupganj fall short, Sohan misses out on century

Despite a valiant all-round effort from Nasir Hossain, Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club fell short by five runs against Dhanmondi Sports Club in a thrilling Dhaka Premier League encounter held on 10 April 2025 at BKSP Ground No. 4.

Nasir played a crucial role for Rupganj, scoring 77 off 84 balls with eight fours and three sixes, and later took 1 for 32 with the ball. However, his efforts weren't enough to prevent defeat, as Dhanmondi chased down the target of 281 with just under three overs to spare, thanks to a stellar 97-run innings from Nurul Hasan Sohan and a quickfire fifty from Yasir Ali Rabbi.

After losing the toss, Rupganj were sent in to bat and suffered a shaky start, losing both openers with just 16 runs on the board. Abdul Mazid was bowled by a fine delivery from Moin Khan for 10, and Amit Majumder followed soon after, scoring just 4 before falling to Enamul Haque Enam.

Nasir Hossain and Asadullah Al Galib then staged a strong recovery, putting together a 140-run partnership. Both brought up their half-centuries, with Galib making 65 off 80 balls before being caught at cow corner trying to loft Sanjamul Islam. Nasir, who appeared on track for a century, was dismissed for 77 after miscuing a lofted shot off Fazle Rabbi to long-off.

Rupganj lost momentum briefly as Al Amin Jr (18 off 32) and Mohammad Faisal (10 off 14) were both dismissed by Fazle Rabbi before the team reached 200. However, a late flourish from Ariful Haque — who smashed 48 off just 28 balls including six sixes — and an unbeaten 34 off 26 from Nuhayel Sandee, lifted the side to a competitive 280 for 7 from their 50 overs.

In response, Dhanmondi got off to a brisk start with openers Azmir Ahmed (40 off 30) and Habibur Rahman putting on 58 for the first wicket. Azmir was caught at backward point off Mohammad Jibon, while Habibur was trapped lbw by Nasir.

Fazle Rabbi (47 off 77) and Sohan then steadied the innings with a 108-run partnership. However, both fell in the same over bowled by Nuhayel Sandee — Fazle caught attempting a slog sweep, and Sanjamul dismissed for a duck just three balls later.

With the score on 183 for 4, Sohan found support from Yasir Ali Rabbi. The two brought the chase back on track, but Sohan fell agonisingly short of a century, dismissed for 97 while attempting a pull shot off Nuhayel, caught at midwicket.

Yasir kept his cool with an important 55 off 40 balls, guiding Dhanmondi close to victory. Moin Khan remained unbeaten on 5 as the team reached 281 for 6 in 47.1 overs to seal a dramatic win.

Gazi Group crush Partex to confirm Super League place

Over at BKSP Ground No. 3, Gazi Group Cricketers thrashed Partex Sporting Club by 170 runs to confirm their place in the Super League. Batting first, Gazi posted 302 runs, driven by half-centuries from captain Enamul Haque Bijoy (78), Sabbir Hossain Sikder (64), and Shamim Miah (53). Sadiqur Rahman (46) and Tofael Ahmed (37) also contributed in a strong team effort.

Partex, who had threatened a boycott over unpaid dues the previous day, fielded five changes including debutant Yasir Muntasir, an Australia-based Bangladeshi. But their batting collapsed under pressure, all out for just 132 in 31.5 overs. Only opener Adil showed resistance with 53 off 85 balls. Shamim Miah, who also took 2 for 29 with the ball, was named Player of the Match.

Legends of rupganj prevail in rain-hit contest to clinch qualification

Brothers Union put up a commendable fight in what was expected to be a one-sided clash in Mirpur, but it wasn't enough to deny Legends of Rupganj a 10-run win via the DLS method on 10 April 2025. The result saw Rupganj secure a place in the Dhaka Premier League Super League.

Pacer Shoriful Islam was the standout performer, delivering his best-ever List A bowling figures. Having previously recorded 4 for 21 as his career-best, he went one better — first claiming five wickets, then adding a sixth to finish with 6 for 40.

Batting first, Rupganj posted 277 for 9. Soumya Sarkar led the innings with a fluent 90 off 79 balls, featuring eight fours and two sixes. He was well supported by Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who scored 59 off 55. Lower-order contributions from Zakir Ali (44 off 49) and Samiun Bashir Ratul (25 off 19) helped set a strong total.

In reply, Brothers Union kept the chase alive with useful knocks from Mahfijul Islam Robin (76 off 108), Aich Mollah (47 off 73), and Maishukur Rahman (46 off 32). A late flourish from Sumon Khan (34 off 25) brought them close, but the innings was interrupted by rain at 260 for 9 in 48.4 overs.

Under the revised DLS target, Brothers needed 271 at that stage, falling just 10 runs short. With the rain not relenting, Rupganj were declared winners.

The victory moved Legends of Rupganj to fifth place on the table with 13 points from 10 matches, officially booking their spot in the Super League round.