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Orient, Ajax get relegation slap

Abahani Krira Chakra and Brothers Union Club cruised to their eighth win in the Janakantha Premier Division cricket league defeating Kalabagan and Orient Sporting Club respectively at different city venues yesterday.

At the Bangabandhu National Stadium, holders Abahani handed Kalabagan Krira Chakra a five-wicket defeat while last year's runners-up Brothers thrashed babes Orient Sporting Club at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium by six wickets.

The results of yesterday's matches have helped both Abahani and Brothers join Biman atop the table, with the two teams collecting 16 points each from 10 matches in the 12-team League.

Among the three top-notchers Biman have a fair chance to win the title as they are enjoying a superior neat run rate (1.26) compared to Abahani (.61) and Brothers (.50)

The national airline outfit will have to beat lowly Wari Club in their last match, beginning at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium today.

On the other hand, Abahani and Brothers, who will lock horns on February 9, will be waiting with their fingers-crossed for a last minute Biman debacle to pip them at the post in the last match of the League Tuesday.

Back into the match at the Bangabandhu from the world of statistics, Abahani, resuming on 45 for two, hardly faced any trouble to overhaul the modest Kalabagan total of 199 in 80 overs. They raced on to score 203 for five with 20 overs to spare.

Former Pakistani Test cap Ijaj Ahmed scored a polished 77 off 114 balls while young opener Hannan made a patient half-century to lay the foundation of an easy sail for Abahani.

The two overnight not out batsmen put on 119 runs for the third wicket as Abahani, who were shakily placed at 19 for two on Friday, garnered 138 before Hannan departed for a 53 off 105 balls. The right-hander clubbed half a dozen boundaries.

Ijaj added another 18 runs with skipper Akram Khan before being dismissed by his compatriot Shahid Saeed. In his 145-minute stay at the crease, Ijaj hammered twelve boundaries.

Although Abahani lost the wicket of Neeyamur for 11, Akram ensured the victory without further damage, putting on 23 runs for the undefeated sixth wicket with Mohammad Hussain. Hussain, the other Pakistani import of Abahani, made 12 while Akram remained unbeaten on 21.

Away at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium, Brothers, aided by a solid performance from the top-order, walloped their way to a facile victory in the high-scoring match against Orient.

Opner Ehsanul Haque, one-down Jahangir, skipper Khaled Mahmud and Pakistani Aamir Hanif scored half-centuries in style as Brothers, chasing a commanding Orient total of 284 in 80 overs, reached 286 in only 48.3 overs with six wickets in hand.

Opener Ehsanul Haque scored highest 65 off 73 balls with the help of nine boundaries followed by Hanif who chipped in with 49-ball 61 spiced with seven fours and two sixes. Mahmud blasted 60 not out and Jahangir scored a run-a-ball 52.

With the outcome of the match Orient joined Ajax Sporting Club in the relegation march from the Premier League even before playing their last match against each other on February 9. Both have so far managed to win one match each.