Biman Bangladesh, one of the three teams that are competing for the Grameen Phone Premier League trophy, experienced a heavy defeat handed out by Kalabagan Club, who appeared as real threats pretty late this year. Ziaur Rahman, the basher from Pakistan, turned down Biman's any sort of chance to secure full points. The hitter gathered up unbeaten 90 runs off just 73 deliveries, a genuinely enthralling innings to watch, featured with 6 massive sixes and 3 fours.

The match was reduced to 42 overs due to wet ground condition. Kalabagan won the vital toss and took the logical decision to field first. Biman top order, yet they lacked luster and flair, batted well in the difficult weather condition. Four of their front liners carried off some good knocks; Javed Omar (80), Faruk Ahmed (35), Imran Farhat (35) and Aminul Islam (42) made some healthy contribution.

A later collapse in the tail forced Biman to be content with 217 for 9 after over 42. Imran Parvej, the right-arm off spinner, pulled off his best so far in this league by grabbing 5 wickets for 37.

Kalabagan lost three quick wickets, but kept scoring runs at quick rate. They lost their third at 70 in 16th over when danger man Ziaur stepped in. The scenario changed in a jiffy. Nasirul Alam, probably inspired by his partner's belligerent stroke play, notched up a handy 41 off 49 balls and later all rounder Mushfiqur shared the expense with unbeaten 40. He and Ziaur saw Kalabagan home in the 38th over, still more than 4 overs and 6 wickets at hand.

There was no questioning on Ziaur's being the man-of-the-match in the second successive time in this league.

© CricInfo