Dhaka, Feb 06 (V7N) – Nurul Hasan Sohan struck a sensational 76 off just 44 balls as Durbar XI edged past Dhumketu XI by two wickets in a thrilling encounter of the Odommo Bangladesh T20 Cup at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

Durbar chased down a target of 157, reaching 157 for eight in 19.3 overs, with Sohan’s late onslaught turning the match on its head. The win has left the three-team tournament finely balanced, with all sides still in contention for a place in the final.

Durbar’s upcoming match against Duronto XI on Saturday will now determine which two teams advance to the final. Earlier in the tournament, Dhumketu XI had defeated Duronto XI by six wickets.

Dhumketu appeared to be in firm control of the match after reducing Durbar to 81 for six, thanks largely to an outstanding spell from Mahedi Hasan, who finished with figures of four for 11 in his four overs. He removed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (2), Mahmudul Hasan Joy (13), Afif Hossain (1) and Jaker Ali Anik (11), while Nasum Ahmed dismissed opener Habibur Rahman Sohan for 17.

Coming in at number five, Nurul Hasan Sohan steadied the innings with a 41-run partnership alongside Mohammad Saifuddin (19). After Saifuddin’s departure, Sohan launched a decisive assault, particularly against pacer Shoriful Islam, from whom he scored 26 runs in the penultimate over, including four sixes. That burst reduced the equation to just seven runs in the final over.

Although Sohan, who hit four fours and six sixes, was run out in the last over, Hasan Mahmud sealed the victory by striking a boundary off the first ball he faced.

Earlier, Dhumketu XI posted 156 for eight, led by captain Liton Das, who scored a team-high 43 off 37 balls, including five boundaries. Saif Hasan contributed 28 off 20 balls, but opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim was dismissed for a duck.

Liton and Saif added stability after the early loss, but regular wickets followed once Saifuddin broke their stand. Liton anchored the innings until he was dismissed by left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam, while Mahedi Hasan added a valuable unbeaten 31 off 27 balls at the end.

For Durbar XI, Hasan Mahmud and Tanvir Islam picked up two wickets each, maintaining pressure through disciplined bowling on a helpful surface.

With the points table now wide open, the next fixture promises to decide the finalists in what has become a closely contested tournament.

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