Durbar XI Reach Final After Beating Durronto

Reaching the final was never going to be straightforward for Akbar Ali’s Durronto XI.

Burdened with a tough equation that demanded a big-margin victory, the pressure told in the end as they failed to rise to the occasion.

Instead, it was Durbar XI, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, who produced a dominant performance to seal their place in the final.

The two sides faced off on Saturday evening at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.

Batting first, Durronto XI were restricted to 145 runs in their allotted 20 overs.

Durbar XI chased down the target with ease, reaching it in just 17.3 overs.

The seven-wicket win confirmed their spot in the final.

After losing the toss, Akbar Ali’s side struggled to find any rhythm with the bat.

The top order collapsed early, with the first four batters returning to the pavilion before the score could gain momentum.

Mahfizul Islam Robin managed only eight runs from 22 balls.

Zisan Alam was dismissed for a duck, while Jawad Abrar and Azizul Hakim Tamim also fell cheaply.

In the middle overs, Ariful Islam and SM Meherob Hasan provided some resistance.

The pair attempted to revive the innings with a steady partnership.

Ariful scored 41 off 32 deliveries, while Meherob contributed 36 from 23 balls.

Captain Akbar Ali himself could manage only 13 runs.

Late cameos from Abdul Gaffar Saklain added some momentum towards the end.

His 18 off just nine balls helped push the total closer to 150.

However, Durronto XI eventually finished on 145.

Durbar XI’s bowling was spearheaded by Syed Khaled Ahmed.

He claimed four crucial wickets, conceding only 23 runs in his four overs.

At the other end, Aliss Al Islam was exceptionally economical, giving away just 14 runs in his spell.

In reply, Habibur Rahman Sohan took control of the chase from the outset.

He set the tone during the powerplay with an aggressive knock.

The opener smashed 39 off 17 balls, including five sixes and a four.

Although Najmul Hossain Shanto departed early, there were no further hiccups.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Nurul Hasan Sohan calmly guided the chase.

Their 68-run partnership effectively put the match beyond doubt.

Joy was dismissed after scoring 58 off 51 balls.

Nurul Hasan Sohan remained unbeaten on 28 at the end.

Afif Hossain Dhrubo added 11 runs to see the team home.

Durbar XI completed the chase in 17.3 overs.

With this victory, Durbar XI secured their place in the final with back-to-back wins.

They will face Dhumketu XI in the title-deciding match.

Meanwhile, Durronto XI bowed out of the Adomyo Cup.