Anamul Haque Bijoy shines as Mohammedan Sporting Club secures DPL win
A Resilient Start to the Campaign
The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 2025-26 season kicked off with high intensity, and Mohammedan Sporting Club wasted no time in stamping their authority on the competition. In a clinical display at the BKSP Ground No. 3, Mohammedan secured a comfortable 5-wicket victory over City Club, setting a positive tone for their aspirations in this year’s tournament.
City Club’s Struggles and Mohammedan’s Bowling Dominance
The match, shortened to 37 overs due to conditions, saw Mohammedan win the toss and elect to bowl first—a decision that paid dividends immediately. City Club found themselves under pressure from the outset as Mohammedan’s bowling attack maintained disciplined lines and lengths.
Despite the challenging conditions, City Club managed to post a total of 194 for 9. The innings was anchored by Sadikur Rahman, who played a commendable knock of 56 off 63 balls. Contributions from Ahrar Amin (31 off 41) and Enamul Haque (35 off 44) provided some resistance, but the team failed to build the necessary momentum to challenge Mohammedan’s formidable lineup.
The catalyst for this defensive success was undoubtedly Naeem Ahmed, who spearheaded the Mohammedan bowling unit. Ahmed’s impeccable accuracy earned him 4 vital wickets, effectively dismantling City Club’s middle order. He received excellent support from Ripon Mondol and Rishad Hossain, both of whom claimed two wickets apiece, ensuring that the target remained well within reach.
Anamul Haque Bijoy: The Architect of the Chase
Chasing 195, Mohammedan faced an early stutter. Naim Sheikh, usually a reliable starter, fell for just 5 runs, while Parvez Hossain Emon returned to the pavilion for a duck. With the team wobbling at the top of the order, it was time for a senior head to step up.
Enter Anamul Haque Bijoy. Demonstrating his vast experience, Bijoy played with a blend of patience and controlled aggression. He navigated the early swing and spin with ease, building a crucial partnership with Afif Hossain (27 off 52). As the innings progressed, Bijoy found a rhythm that City Club’s bowlers struggled to disrupt. Even as the required run rate fluctuated, he remained the anchor, guiding the team toward the target.
Captain Towhid Hridoy also played a significant role, chipping in with a valuable 34 off 35 deliveries. The partnership between Hridoy and Bijoy proved to be the turning point of the chase. Bijoy eventually departed for a magnificent 80 off 88 balls, falling just short of a well-deserved century, but he had already effectively sealed the game for his side.
A Calm Finish to Seal the Points
Following Bijoy’s dismissal, there was no panic in the Mohammedan camp. Yasir Ali stepped up with a quick-fire 36 off 23 balls, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. Mohammad Saifuddin, remaining unbeaten on 7, partnered with Ali to guide the team home. Mohammedan crossed the finish line with 10 balls to spare, completing a 5-wicket victory.
While the result was disappointing for City Club, there were small positives to take. Nihaduzzaman was their most successful bowler, picking up 2 wickets, while Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Enamul Haque Enam, and Enamul Haque Ashiq each grabbed a wicket. However, on this day, they simply had no answer to the class of Anamul Haque Bijoy.
Looking Ahead
This victory provides Mohammedan Sporting Club with the momentum they need early in the season. For a tournament as grueling as the DPL, starting with a comprehensive win is essential for team morale. With experienced campaigners like Bijoy in such fine form, Mohammedan looks like a side that will be difficult to beat in the coming weeks of the 2025-26 season.
Stay tuned to our coverage as the Dhaka Premier League continues, bringing you all the action, stats, and post-match analysis from the grounds.
