Saif Hasan Answers Critics with the Bat as Dhaka Beat Chattogram

After a long spell of silence, the bat finally did the talking on the big stage. Shaking off the burden of failures and criticism, Saif Hasan returned to his best, producing a sparkling fifty in the group-stage finale to script Dhaka Capitals’ victory and change the course of the match.

On Sunday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka Capitals defeated Chattogram Royals by 42 runs in the final group match of the BPL. Sent in to bat after losing the toss, Dhaka were bowled out for 170 in 19.5 overs. In reply, Chattogram were restricted to 128 in 19.4 overs.

Coming into the match, Saif Hasan had managed just 60 runs from his first eight innings. Questions were mounting around the batter, who has struggled for form since being handed the responsibility of national team vice-captaincy. But in this crucial encounter, he delivered the perfect response with the bat.

Despite being level on points with Rangpur Riders, Chattogram were relatively comfortable due to a superior net run rate. Even a narrow defeat against Dhaka would have been enough to secure qualification. Although they faced some pressure midway through the chase, the Royals failed to seize control of the match.

Chasing 171, Chattogram needed at least 77 runs to keep the margin of defeat within limits. However, disciplined bowling from Taskin Ahmed and Mohammad Saifuddin triggered an early collapse. The Royals lost seven wickets well before reaching the target. A late cameo from Pakistani all-rounder Aamer Jamal only managed to reduce the margin of defeat slightly.

Aamer Jamal scored 42 off 26 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes. Coming in at No. 10, Shariful Islam remained unbeaten on 14, striking two sixes. For Dhaka, Saifuddin was the standout bowler with four wickets for 20 runs, while Taskin picked up three wickets conceding 28.

Earlier, Dhaka’s innings also got off to a shaky start as opener Usman Khan departed for 25. Saif Hasan then steadied the innings, adding a crucial 90-run partnership with Zubaid Akbari to lay a solid foundation. During that phase, the scoreboard moved at a healthy pace.

However, Dhaka lost momentum after Akbari’s dismissal, as the Afghan batter was removed by Tanvir Islam for 29. Saif continued to anchor the innings, scoring an effective 73 off 44 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes.

With no other batter able to produce a significant contribution at the death, Dhaka were bowled out before completing their 20 overs. For Chattogram, Tanvir Islam was the most impressive with the ball, claiming three wickets for 25 runs, while Shariful Islam and Aamer Jamal picked up two wickets apiece.