Abahani skipper Mosaddek sees Mohammedan clash as potential title decider

The Dhaka Premier League title race is hearing up, with Friday's ninth-round fixtures set to have a significant bearing on the battle for the top spot.

Mohammedan Sporting Club lead the standings with 14 points, but defending champions Abahani Limited and Prime Bank Cricket Club remain firmly in contention on 12 points each.

Abahani face a stern test against Legends of Rupganj, who have accumulated 10 points and boast a formidable squad. The defending champions have strengthened their pace attack by signing star pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who is expected to feature only in Friday's fixture. The Fizz joins national team regulars Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud. 

Having bounced back from defeats in their opening two matches to win six on the trot, Abahani captain Mosaddek Hossain believes Friday's results could prove crucial in shaping the title race.

"If we can keep winning until the last game, then whoever wins between Mohammedan and Abahani might become the champion. There are a lot of equations involved, and we have thought about them. If we can win our next two matches, then we have a match against Mohammedan," Mosaddek told reporters on Thursday.

Abahani are scheduled to face Mohammedan in the final round, likely on June 15, in a contest that could effectively serve as a title decider.

"They are also a strong opponent and have been playing wonderfully in this tournament. Overall, I think if we maintain our process and win the next two matches, then that game [against Mohammedan] will be a virtual final," Mosaddek added.

Rupganj will pose a considerable challenge, with the side featuring Litton Das and Habibur Rahman Sohan. The latter smashed the joint-fastest fifty in Bangladesh's List A cricket history in his latest match, reaching the milestone in just 15 deliveries.

Their formidable spin attack, comprising Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mahedi Hasan and Nasum Ahmed, is also expected to test Abahani at BKSP-3 on Friday.

Meanwhile, table-toppers Mohammedan will take on sixth-placed Gazi Group Cricketers, while third-placed Prime Bank will look to maintain pressure in the title race when they face Rupganj Tigers Cricket Club.