Independence Cup Cricket Gets Underway

Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has organized the Independence Cup Cricket Tournament to mark the 36th year of independence from Pakistan.

In the opening match last year’s Premier League runner up Sonargaon Cricketers comfortably defeated giant Mohammedan Sporting Club by 58 runs at Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium.

In the absence of leading cricketers of the country, on national duty in the World Cup and touring Sri Lanka with the A team, both the Premiership sides relied on guest players from other Premier league clubs.

After winning the toss Sonargaon Captain Al Shahriar opted to bat first and posted a fighting total of 236 all out in 49.1 overs with opener Hannan Sarkar top scoring with 64 off 68 balls slamming nine fours and one six. Former national all-rounder Alok Kapali and young wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh provided useful company in the middle. Dhiman’s 43 ball 44 proved crucial to lift the score above 200.

Farhad Reza, Nabil Samad and Rezaul Islam shared two wickets each for Mohammedan Sporting.

In reply, Mohammedan lost wickets at regular intervals and was eventually bundled out for 184 in 44.2 overs. Sharif Ullah was the top scorer for Mohammedan with 34 runs and Farhad Reza and Ehsanul Haque each scored 32 runs to reduce the margin of defeat. 7 bowlers were utilized by Sonargaon captain Al Shahriar and all chipped in with wickets. Mohammad Azim and Elias Sunny grabbed 2 wickets each while others joined the party with one wicket each.

Victoria Sporting Club is the other team involved in the three-team competition.

Sonargaon Cricketers: 236 all out in 49.1 overs (Hannan Sarkar 64, Dhiman Ghosh 44 , Alok Kapali 25, Manjurul Islam 2-37, Farhad Reza 2-30, Nabil Samad 2-46, Rezaul Islam 2-40).

Mohammedan Sporting Club: 184 all out in 44.2 overs (Rashedul Islam 22, Farhad Reza 32, Ehsanul Haque 32, Sharif Ullah 34, Mohammad Azim 2-32, Elias Sunny 2-28).