Farhan Jani's 11 sixes power ULAB to 205 in the final, Sonargaon need 206

At the Anvir Cricket Stadium, ULAB opener Farhan Jani took all the spotlight with the bat in the final of the ABG University Cup. Powered by his destructive innings of 11 sixes, the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) scored 205 runs for 2 wickets in the allotted 20 overs against Sonargaon University. Sonargaon need 206 runs to win the title.

After losing the toss and being sent in to bat, ULAB openers Farhan Jani and Shabab Jamil Ferdous were aggressive from the start. They added 93 runs for the opening wicket in 10.3 overs.

Ferdous, who batted at a strike rate of 120 with 3 fours and 2 sixes, was caught by Fahim to give Sonargaon their first breakthrough.

Zakirul Ahmed then joined Farhan and kept the storm going. He scored quickly at a strike rate of 180, with 2 fours and 2 sixes. However, with the team total on 149, Zakirul was run out by a direct throw from Fahim. Even that did not slow ULAB's scoring.

Farhan held one end and remained unbeaten until the end. He batted at a strike rate of 178.69, hitting 3 fours and 11 sixes. Mahbub Niloy also attacked late in the innings, remaining unbeaten with 5 fours at a strike rate of 162.50.

Among Sonargaon's bowlers, Asif Hasan was the most economical. He gave away only 11 runs in 4 overs, though he took no wicket. Jibon conceded 44 runs in 4 overs. Maidul Islam took one wicket.

Alongside the contest on the field, the gallery was just as charged. Matching ULAB's fours and sixes, students of both universities made their presence felt with slogans and cheers. To put pressure on the batters, Sonargaon supporters repeatedly chanted 'fake, fake' from the gallery.

Sonargaon University supporters were the larger group in the gallery, and a festive mood covered a large part of it. Although fewer in number, ULAB students were no less loud in supporting their team. Some wore team jerseys, some waved flags and cheered their side at the top of their voices. Teachers of the university also came to the gallery to support Sonargaon.

Sonargaon student Ratul said, 'Our team has been playing great cricket since the first match. ULAB are also the best team as opponents. Even so, we will win this title. Our batting line-up is very strong. No matter how many runs it is, we are confident of winning.' Many other students, including Forhad and Anik, had come to the gallery to support their team.

ULAB student Afrina said, 'We are all enjoying this together. That is the main thing. I hope we will win. But even if we cannot win, there is nothing to be sad about. ULAB are a great team, a team to be proud of.'

So, at the end of the first innings of the final, the contest now rests with Sonargaon's batters. They must chase a target of 206 runs — and handle the pressure of the opposing gallery as well, because in this match the bowlers' battle was not only against the batters at the wicket, but also against the noise and slogans of the rival students in the stands.