Saif’s Subline 73 Sets Up Parting Gift for Dhaka Capitals; Royals Stunned in Mirpur

Saif Hassan signed off the Dhaka Capitals’ BPL campaign with a statement performance, powering his side to a convincing 42-run win over Chattogram Royals in the 30th match of the Bangladesh Premier League at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Sunday. While the result had no bearing on Dhaka’s qualification hopes, it underlined their potential and ensured the Royals entered the playoffs with a dent in momentum despite retaining second place on the table.

Asked to bat after losing the toss, Dhaka were jolted early when Usman Khan departed for a rapid 16 off six balls. The early wicket, however, only set the stage for Saif Hassan to take control. Calm at first and then increasingly assertive, the Bangladesh T20 vice-captain dictated terms through the middle overs.

Saif stitched together a stabilising 90-run stand with Zubaid Akbari, who played the supporting role with a measured 29 from 30 deliveries. Once set, Saif shifted gears seamlessly and brought up his half-century in just 29 balls. His 73 off 44 balls, laced with five fours and five sixes, gave Dhaka the platform they needed on a surface that demanded smart batting.

Dhaka’s innings eventually folded for 170 in 19.5 overs, a total that looked competitive rather than imposing. Chattogram’s bowlers did pull things back late, with Tanvir Islam returning impressive figures of 3 for 25, while Aamer Jamal and Shoriful Islam claimed two wickets apiece.

Any hopes of a smooth chase for the Royals vanished almost immediately. Taskin Ahmed struck with the first ball, trapping Mohammad Haris lbw for a golden duck. Chattogram slipped to 19 for 3 inside three overs.

Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Naim attempted to rebuild, but regular strikes left the Royals gasping at 54 for 6. The lone fight came from Aamer Jamal, who counterattacked with a spirited 42 off 26 balls. Mohammad Saifuddin tore through the lower order with four wickets, while Taskin backed him up with three as Chattogram were dismissed for 128 in 19.4 overs.

The 42-run margin reflected Dhaka’s dominance on the night, with Saif Hassan deservedly walking away with the Player of the Match award for a performance that set the tone from start to finish.