Holders Abahani stayed on course to retain the title with an 11 runs win against arch rivals Mohammedans in a crucial match of the Premier Division Cricket League at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka Sunday.

Abahani's victory in the match, not only crucial but a prestige fight for them, came as Pakistani Mohammad Hossain captured four wickets and Naimur Rahman Durjoy took three. Abahani and Mohammedans are the most popular clubs in the cricket-mad Bangladesh.

With the day's win, Abahani now jointly lead the points table with Bangladesh Biman securing 14 points from nine matches.

However, Abahani will have to play their remaining two matches against formidable Kalabagan KC and Brothers Union while Biman, in their next two matches, have comparatively easier opponents in Victoria SC and Wari Club.

Replying to Abahani's (batted Saturday) 266 runs, Mohammedans were all out for 255 runs in 69.2 overs with a hopeless performance by the lower order, losing the last five batsmen for 33 runs.

Pakistani test bowler Mohammad Hossain picked up four wickets for 51 runs in 16 overs while Durjoy bagged three for 66 runs, also in 16 overs. New Ball bowler Hasibul Hossain Shanta took the last two wickets to finish his 13.2 overs giving away 44 runs.

Kenyan star batsman Steve Tikolo hammered Mohammedan's highest 56 runs off 80 balls that featured nine boundaries and an over boundary. However, another Kenyan, Maurice Odumbe once again failed with only 10 runs.