Abahani Limited had already secured a 75-run victory over Legends of Rupganj, where Mohammedan Sporting Club faced Gazi Group Cricketers in a do-or-die encounter. A loss for Mohammedan would have handed the league title to Abahani, but the Black and Whites held their nerve in a nail-biting finish to keep their championship dreams alive.
A Last-Ball Thriller
Chasing a modest target of 237, Mohammedan found themselves in deep trouble, needing 23 runs off the last 12 balls. The tension peaked in the final over when Sheikh Parvez Jiban took the ball, with Mohammedan requiring 11 runs to win.
All-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin failed to score off the first ball but managed a single on the second. Then, Nasum Ahmed took charge hammering a boundary on the third ball before keeping his cool under pressure. With the equation down to 5 runs off 2 balls, Nasum launched a massive six over deep midwicket to level the scores.
Needing just 1 run off the final delivery, Nasum dropped his bat, raised his arms in celebration, and sprinted off in joy as Mohammedan secured a 4-wicket victory. The dressing room erupted in celebration had they lost, their title hopes would have been over.
The Unannounced Final: Mohammedan vs Abahani
This victory sets up a virtual final between arch-rivals Mohammedan and Abahani on April 29. If Mohammedan wins, they will lift the trophy based on head-to-head advantage, having already defeated Abahani Limited in the first leg. However, if the match is washed out by rain, Abahani will be crowned champions.
Currently, Abahani leads the table with 26 points from 15 matches, while Mohammedan sits on 24 points. A win would tie them at 26 points each, but Mohammedan’s superior head-to-head record would seal the title.
Mohammedan’s Struggle Against Gazi’s Spin Attack
Despite the thrilling finish, Mohammedan’s chase was far from smooth. Gazi Group’s spinners left-armer Shamim Mia (2/29), leg-spinner Wasi Siddiqui (2/45), and off-spinner Parvez Jiban (0/49) kept the batters in check with disciplined bowling.
Rony Talukdar (51), Mahmudullah (49), Towhid Hridoy (37), and Saifuddin (30) all got starts but struggled to accelerate, leaving Mohammedan needing over 10 runs per over in the death overs. However, Nasum’s explosive 21 off 13 balls, including two sixes, turned the game around in dramatic fashion.
Brief Scores:
Gazi Group: 236/10 in 49.4 overs (Muneem 80, Tahjibul 32, Parvez 33; Saifuddin 3/42, Mostafiz 3/46)
Mohammedan: 237/6 in 50 overs (Rony 51, Mahmudullah 49, Nasum 21*; Shamim 2/29, Wasi 2/45)
Result: Mohammedan won by 4 wickets.
Now, all roads lead to the blockbuster clash on April 29 where Mohammedan must defeat Abahani to claim the title, or risk watching their rivals lift the trophy. The stage is set for a thrilling finale.