Sadman's magical bowling seals North South's thrilling two-run win
With 18 balls left, only 16 runs were needed and seven wickets were still in hand. Victory seemed certain for American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB). But by the last two overs, the equation had become 13 runs. The ABG University Cup witnessed a thrilling example of how even such a simple equation can turn difficult, as Sadman Islam's superb bowling changed the match completely.
At the Anvir Cricket Stadium in ABG Sports City, AIUB won the toss and sent North South in to bat first. Despite losing early wickets, Farzan Ahmed's batting gave them a fighting total. Farzan scored 55 off 38 balls with four fours and four sixes, while Raiyan Shabab's brisk 31 off 18 balls also boosted the total. North South were eventually bowled out for 146 in 19.4 overs.
AIUB's Abdullah Al-Toufiq took three wickets for 26 runs, while Yasir Arafat and Mashrafi took two wickets each.
Chasing a modest target of 147, AIUB made a fine start. Azmir Ahmed scored 21 off 15 balls, Labib 26 off 27, Yasir Arafat 36 off 25 and Ad-Al Jabbar 28 off 31, keeping the team well on course for victory. Until the 17th over, their position looked comfortable.
With 16 needed off 18 balls and seven wickets in hand, the match then took a dramatic turn. Sadman Islam tore through the batting, taking three wickets in a single over and suddenly putting AIUB under pressure. The equation changed in an instant.
AIUB needed 13 runs from the last two overs, but Sadman's onslaught kept the target out of reach. In the final over they needed six runs, and the tension lasted until the very end. But before the equation could be met, AIUB were bowled out for 144 with one ball of the innings remaining.
North South sealed victory by just two runs. Sadman Islam was the hero of the win, turning the match with five wickets for 19 runs in only 2.5 overs.
He was well supported by Afnan Tahmid and Alve Chowdhury, who took two wickets each. Sadman was also recognised for his superb bowling, being named player of the match.
