DHAKA, May 4, 2026 (BSS) - Abahani Limited's title defense in the Dhaka Premier 
League (DPL) got off to a poor start, a major event in the opening round of 
the country's most coveted tournament. 

Opener Zakir Hasan struck a match-winning 74 as Dhaka Leopards handed 
reigning champions Abahani Limited a five-wicket defeat at Bashundhara Sports 
Complex today.

Chasing a modest target of 182 in a rain-reduced 30-over contest, Zakir 
anchored the innings with a composed 66-ball knock, hitting six fours and 
three sixes, as the Leopards reached the target with five balls to spare.

Earlier, Abahani posted 181-8 after opting to bat, with Sabbir Rahman 
providing the bulk of the runs. He smashed 55 off 29 balls, including five 
sixes and two fours, while Mahidul Islam Ankon and SM Meherob Hasan 
contributed 38 runs each.

However, Abahani's top order faltered, with Soumya Sarkar dismissed for a 
six-ball duck after being bowled by Moin Khan. Captain Mosaddek Hossain 
Saikat also failed to make an impact, scoring just 17. Moin Khan was the pick 
of the bowlers for the Leopards, claiming 3-21.

In reply, Zakir led from the front, adding a 50-run partnership with Saikat 
Ali for the third wicket and sharing 74 runs with captain Mohammad Mithun for 
the fourth wicket to put the chase firmly in control.

Zakir looked set for a century before being dismissed by Mahfizul Rabbi for 
74, but the foundation he laid proved decisive. Saikat Ali scored 28, Mithun 
added 37, and Jawad chipped in with 23 to keep the chase on track.

Iftekhar Hossain and Alauddin Babu completed the formalities as Dhaka 
Leopards sealed a comfortable victory, marking a strong start to their 
campaign while dealing an early blow to the defending champions.