Mohammedan Sporting Club made them a contender to move to the super league phase as they secured their third straight victory in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) on Saturday, reports BSS.
The club with huge heritage was winning-less in their first five matches and collected just one point, thanks to a washed-out game. But after Shakib Al Hasan made him available for the side, they got three straight wins.
Shakib pulled out of IPL, citing family emergency but continued to play domestic matches for Mohammedan.
captain Imrul Kayes shined in with century while Shakib Al Hasan put up an all-round performance, which led the side to a comprehensive 101-run victory over City Club.
Kayes struck 114 off 121 with 10 fours and three sixes as Mohammedan racked up a mammoth 348-7.
Veteran Mahmudullah Riyad hammered 71 off 59 with seven fours and four sixes while young Mohidul Islam Ankan blasted 52 ball-65, smashing two fours and four sixes to utilize the platform set by Kayes.
Shakib Al Hasan who came to bat at No. 7 struck 26 off 16 with two fours and one six. National all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz however contributed just 6 runs.
Rayhan Rafsan Rahman was the most successful bowler for City Club with 3-68.
City Club however were restricted to 247-7 in 50 overs with Abdulla Al Mamun making highest 70 off 65, negotiating the bowlers like Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Miraz, Asif Ahmed Ratul made 52.
Jack Lintott bagged 3-68 to be the best bowler for Mohammedan while Nazmul Apu, Shakib, Miraz and Soumya Sarkar picked up one wicket apiece.
After this victory, Mohammedan had seven points in eight matches, which put them in sixth position so far. Gazi Group and Rupganj Tigers also had seven points but based on run rate they are in fifth and seventh position respectively.
Abahani Limited tops the point table with maximum 16 points, winning all of their matches.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
