Anamul Haque Bijoy Shines as Mohammedan Starts DPL Campaign with Win

A Commanding Start for the Black and Whites

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) 2025-26 season has officially ignited, and Mohammedan Sporting Club has sent a clear message to the rest of the competition. In a display of tactical discipline and batting prowess, Mohammedan cruised to a 5-wicket victory over City Club at the BKSP Ground No. 3, setting the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive tournament.

City Club’s Struggles and Mohammedan’s Bowling Dominance

After winning the toss, Mohammedan Sporting Club opted to put their opposition into bat in a match reduced to 37 overs. The City Club innings never quite found the acceleration required to set a daunting target. While individual sparks were present, the collective pressure applied by the Mohammedan bowling attack proved decisive.

Sadikur Rahman was the standout performer for City Club, crafting a resilient 56 off 63 balls. Contributions from Ahrar Amin (31 off 41) and Enamul Haque (35 off 44) provided some stability, yet the team finished on 194 for 9, failing to capitalize on the start.

The architects of this bowling effort were led by the clinical Naeem Ahmed, who finished with an impressive 4-wicket haul. He was ably supported by pace-bowling stalwarts Ripon Mondol and Rishad Hossain, who each claimed two scalps, systematically dismantling the City Club middle order and preventing any late-game resurgence.

The Bijoy Factor: A Masterclass in Chasing

Chasing 195 for victory, Mohammedan faced early turbulence. The dismissal of Naim Sheikh for 5 and the unfortunate duck by Parvez Hossain Emon could have rattled a lesser side. However, veteran campaigner Anamul Haque Bijoy stood tall, anchoring the innings with a display of poise and tactical awareness.

Bijoy’s approach was methodical. He formed a crucial partnership with Afif Hossain, who chipped in with a steady 27 from 52 balls to stabilize the ship. As the target came within reach, captain Towhid Hridoy showcased his aggressive intent, contributing a vital 34 off 35 balls. The partnership between Bijoy and Hridoy effectively sucked the momentum out of the City Club bowling attack.

Though Bijoy was eventually dismissed for a well-deserved 80 off 88 balls—falling just short of what would have been a magnificent century—his foundation had already sealed the fate of the match.

Cool Heads Seal the Deal

Following Bijoy’s departure, there was no room for panic. Yasir Ali stepped in and injected immediate energy into the crease, racing to 36 off just 23 deliveries. Combined with Mohammad Saifuddin’s calm presence—remaining unbeaten on 7—the team reached the target with 10 balls to spare.

While Nihaduzzaman attempted to keep City Club in the game by picking up 2 wickets, the target proved too small to overcome the depth of the Mohammedan batting lineup. Abdul Gaffar Saqlain, Enamul Haque Enam, and Enamul Haque Ashiq each picked up a wicket, but they were unable to halt the inevitable.

Looking Ahead

For Mohammedan Sporting Club, this victory is more than just two points; it is a confidence booster that proves their ability to absorb pressure and execute a winning game plan. With Anamul Haque Bijoy in such fine form and the bowling unit clicking early, the team looks like a formidable contender in the race for the DPL title. As the tournament progresses, fans will be looking to see if Mohammedan can maintain this momentum throughout the grueling league schedule.