Leopards upset Abahani in DPL opener

Abahani Limited's title defense in the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) got off to a poor start, a major event in the opening round of the country's most coveted tournament.

Opener Zakir Hasan struck a match-winning 74 as Dhaka Leopards handed reigning champions Abahani Limited a five-wicket defeat at Bashundhara Sports Complex on Monday.

Chasing a modest target of 182 in a rain-reduced 30-over contest, Zakir anchored the innings with a composed 66-ball knock, hitting six fours and three sixes, as the Leopards reached the target with five balls to spare.

Earlier, Abahani posted 181-8 after opting to bat, with Sabbir Rahman providing the bulk of the runs. He smashed 55 off 29 balls, including five sixes and two fours, while Mahidul Islam Ankon and SM Meherob Hasan contributed 38 runs each.

However, Abahani's top order faltered, with Soumya Sarkar dismissed for a six-ball duck after being bowled by Moin Khan. 

Captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat also failed to make an impact, scoring just 17. Moin Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the Leopards, claiming 3-21.

In reply, Zakir led from the front, adding a 50-run partnership with Saikat Ali for the third wicket and sharing 74 runs with captain Mohammad Mithun for the fourth wicket to put the chase firmly in control.

Zakir looked set for a century before being dismissed by Mahfizul Rabbi for 74, but the foundation he laid proved decisive. Saikat Ali scored 28, Mithun added 37, and Jawad chipped in with 23 to keep the chase on track.

Iftekhar Hossain and Alauddin Babu completed the formalities as Dhaka Leopards sealed a comfortable victory, marking a strong start to their campaign while dealing an early blow to the defending champions. BSS