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Brothers Union's loss, Surjo Tarun's gain

Abahani Krira Chakra ended their Janakantha Premier League campaign on a high note when the popular Dhanmondi outfit recorded a huge 129-run win over Brothers Union at the almost-empty Bangabandhu National Stadium yesterday.

But there was no joy in the Abahani tent as the holders were dethroned by Biman, who lifted the coveted title by virtue of a better net run-rate. Both finished this season's topsy-turvy league yesterday with 18 points.

Abahani's hopes for a hat trick of titles evaporated even before they ambled in to field this morning in defence of the previous day's huge 258 against last year's runners-up Brothers.

Although the 'final' league match, unlike that of the previous year's, offered little expectation as far as the championship was concerned, it was important for both teams to win yesterday to finish second behind Biman. And Abahani did it in style when they bundled out the Gopibagh outfit for 229 in 58.5 overs.

Ijaz Ahmed, who earlier scored a brilliant 85, made it easier for Abahani when the Pakistani batsman, who can also bowl a bit, claimed three wickets in the space of four deliveries to wrap up the Brothers tail in a whiff.

Brothers' former Pakistani international Aamir Hanif, who ploughed in the sands with an unbeaten 76, was stranded at the non-striker's end when his compatriot removed the last three Brothers batsmen with his innocuous yet accurate slow deliveries.

Brothers, however, threw caution to the wind when they cruised to 132 for two before lunch. But three suicidal 'run outs', including the vital one of Jahangir, and some wayward batting from the middle-order batsmen changed the complexion of the game.

Jahangir, on 44, was playing like a champion batsman before he was run out in a terrible mix-up with Aamir Hanif. Skipper Khaled Mahmud was bowled round his legs by off-spinner Naimur for 12. The experienced all-rounder paid the penalty through his nose when, exposing his leg stump, he attempted a sweep against a round-the-wicket Naimur.

After the departure of Mahmud, hard-hitting batsman Wahidul tried to steady the rocking boat with Aamir. But Wahidul made only 18 before committing hara-kiri. Although there were no call or response from the other end, Wahidul ran for a second as if his shirt was on fire.

The defeat left Brothers in the distant fourth position behind Surjo Tarun, who clinched the third place by virtue of a better net run-rate.

Result: Abahani won by 129 runs.