NATIONAL cricket team all-rounder Elton Chigumbura smashed an unbeaten half century to steer Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club to a 70-run victory over Brothers Union and confirm their place in the last six in the Dhaka Premier Cricket League in Bangladesh on Monday.
SPORTS REPORTER
Sheikh Jamal DC joined Gazi Tank Cricketers, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Prime Doleshwar Sporting Club, Prime Bank Cricket Club and Kalabagan Cricket Academy in the six-team super league. Sheikh Jamal DC batted first after winning the toss and scored 282 for seven in their stipulated 50 overs with opener Jahurul Islam contributing an 89-ball 69 runs that featured eight fours.
Steven Crook made a 54-ball 56 runs with seven fours and a six, while Chigumbura was unbeaten on 50 off 49 balls with two fours and four sixes.
Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim scored 45 runs off 54 balls with four fours and a six while veteran spinner Abdur Razzak smashed not out 39 runs off 18 balls with four fours and two sixes.
In reply, Nafees Iqbal’s 62-run innings went in vain as Brothers were all out for 212 after 46,2 overs. The fifth loss in ten games confirmed Brothers’ exit from the league whereas Sheikh Jamal cruised to the fourth spot with 12 points from ten matches.
Zimbabwe Cricket’s financial problems have again caused the delay in starting off Zimbabwe’s Franchise Cricket season leaving several players to take their talents elsewhere to get game time.
Traditionally, the domestic season starts in August or September stretching for an eight-month period, but due to recent international tours and financial challenges, the season will now start in December.
