With two-third of the Janakantha Premier Division Cricket League completed, holders Abahani, runners-up Brothers Union, Biman and Mohammedan Sporting are now in contention for the title.
Of the four, last season's runners-up Brothers Union are leading the table with six wins against a defeat from their seven outings. Holders Abahani and aspirants Biman also have six wins but they lost two matches, each having played eight matches.
However, Biman, who are now left with three matches against minor teams - Sadharan Bima, Victoria Sporting and Wari, looks well-poised to win the title if they can manage to win those matches.
On the other hand, Brothers Union will have to face Mohammedan, Kalabagan, Orient Sporting and Abahani in their remaining four matches. Although they are favourites against babes Orient, the remaining three matches against the big clubs will be evenly balanced. If they lose two out of those three, they will be out of the race.
Abahani, who also left with three matches, have a daunting task ahead of defeating Mohammedan, Kalabagan and Brothers Union and lift the title for the third successive season.
Apart from the three, Mohammedan Sporting have also chances to clinch the title after two barren seasons if they can manage to win their remaining four matches. Out of the four, they have two big matches that against Abahani and Brothers - while the other two encounters are against babes Sadharan Bima and lowly-rated Victoria Sporting Club.
The other two top teams in the 12-team elite league--Kalabagan and Surjo Tarun --are virtually out of the race. Kalabagan have lost three matches out of seven while Surjo Tarun, the star-studded side, have also three defeats against five wins in eight matches.
Predictions made are based on the strengths of the teams on paper but performance seldom coincides in the game of glorious uncertainties. All will be settled after February 10, the day the league ends.
The league, which was postponed for ten day's from January 16, will resume from Tuesday January 26.
Remaining fixture of the league:
(BNS - Bangabandhu National Stadium; BKSP - Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan, Savar; DCS - Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium)