Saif, Liton shine as Dhumketu begin Odommo T20 Cup with win

A confident batting display from Saif Hassan and Liton Das guided Dhumketu XI to a convincing six-wicket victory over Duronto XI in the opening match of the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

Rishad Hossain also showed a disciplined bowling display by claiming three wickets for 21 runs.

After opting to bat first, Duronto XI were restricted to 143 all out in 19.5 overs. In reply, Dhumketu chased down the target comfortably, reaching 146 for four in 16.1 overs.

Duronto started aggressively, with Jishan Alam scoring quick runs at the top before Tanzim Hasan broke the opening stand. Although the batting side reached 45 for one inside the powerplay, they struggled to maintain momentum as Dhumketu’s spinners tightened the screws.

Middle-order batters Azizul Hakim and Ariful Islam fell cheaply, while Mahfijul Islam’s 39-run knock ended with a run-out. Akbar Ali and SM Meherob attempted a recovery but Rishad returned to remove Akbar, completing his three-wicket haul and keeping Duronto in check.

Late strikes from Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan ensured Duronto failed to capitalise at the death, despite Abdul Gaffar Saqlain’s brief cameo. Mustafizur Rahman closed the innings by dismissing Saqlain, finishing with economical figures.

Dhumketu lost an early wicket in the chase but soon took control through a solid partnership between Saif and Litton. Saif reached his fifty from 29 balls, striking several boundaries, while Litton anchored the innings with an unbeaten 65, bringing up his half-century in just 34 deliveries.

Although Meherob picked up three wickets in the second innings, the target was never under serious threat as Dhumketu sealed the win with plenty of overs to spare.

Dhumketu XI will next take on Durbar XI, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, on Friday.

NSA