Sohan’s late blitz seals dramatic win for Durbar XI

Nurul Hasan Sohan struck a match-winning 44-ball 76 to guide Durbar XI to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Dhumketu XI in the second match of the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday.

Chasing 157, Durbar were in deep trouble at 81 for six in the 14th over. The tide began to turn when Sohan found support in Mohammad Saifuddin, with the pair adding a crucial 41 runs for the seventh wicket to revive the innings.

Saifuddin chipped in with a brisk 19 off 13 balls before falling to Mustafizur Rahman, who featured as an impact player, leaving Durbar with a steep task in the closing stages.

Sohan, who had endured a lean run in the BPL earlier this year, scoring just 49 runs in eight innings, produced a stunning turnaround. He plundered 26 runs off Shoriful Islam in the penultimate over, smashing four sixes to slash the equation from 33 off 12 balls to just seven required in the final over.

The drama intensified when Sohan was run out off the second ball of the last over with four runs still needed. However, Hasan Mahmud kept his composure and drove Mukidul Islam Mugdho for a boundary on the third delivery, sealing the win with three balls to spare.

For Dhumketu, off-spinner Mahedi Hasan was the standout performer with figures of 4 for 11 from his four overs.

Despite the defeat, Dhumketu remain top of the table with two points from two matches, courtesy of their opening six-wicket win over Duronto and a healthy net run rate. Duronto now face a must-win clash against Durbar in Saturday’s final league game at the same venue.

Earlier, Dhumketu posted 156 for eight after being sent in to bat. Captain Litton Das top-scored with 43 off 37 balls, while Mahedi contributed an unbeaten 31. Hasan and Tanvir Islam claimed two wickets each for Durbar.