T20 cricket in Bangladesh

T20 cricket semis today:

The battle to move into the final of the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket Twenty20 League will be held today with holders Abahani Limited taking on new power Gazi Tank and Biman facing off Mohammedan Sporting at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.Group- A champions Abahani will take on Group-B runners-up Gazi Tank in the first semi-final at 9.30 am while in the second semi-final, Group-B champions Biman set to battle with Group-A runners-up Mohammedans. Ahead of the important semi-final Abahani are bit tensed with their pace man Nazmul Hossain who opted out the last group match due to his foot injury. On the other hand, Biman will play against Mohammedans with happy mood as they will get back their dependable all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan as full fit. The number one all-rounder of the world had been suffering from a bit groin injury and did not play the last group match.

However, keeping aside all the problems every captain expected to overcome the battle of semi-final. Abahani skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortoza said his side is mixed with the experienced and young bloods, who all are enthusiastic to move into the final. "The guys are mentally fit though some injury problems arose in the last moment. But we are not totally bothered of it as we got some players who are capable of winning match from any odd situation," Mashrafe said. Mashrafe's counterpart Gazi Tank captain Mohammad Ashraful is also hopeful to win the battle. "It's a new side and we believe we can win the title. Everyone is confident about it. Our first target is to overcome Abahani.

We know they are unbeaten side in the league till now. But we have the ability to stop them," Ashraful hoped. Ashraful himself is in good form and shrugged off his recent lean patch. The skipper of the national team hopes he can continue his form. Mohammedans skipper Suhrawardi Shuvo on the other hand depends on his young guys to make the difference. "We got a young side. We've lack of experience but all have the enthusiasm to make it to final and win the trophy. Hope we can defend against Biman successfully," Shuvo said. A full fit Shakib on the other hand give Biman a solid confidence to propel high as they had little doubt to overcome Mohammedans scare. "Shakib had a bit groin injury problem but as per the advice of physio he rested in the last group match. This rest worked well for him as he became fit fully and will play the semi-final. We hope we'll overcome Mohammedan with ease," said Biman captain Sanwar Hossain. Biman, however, would not get the service of dependable middle order batsman Tushar Imran who broke his collarbone during the match against Gazi Tank.

Tushar would have to be rested as least one month which means he will miss the Premier Division Cricket League as well.

Premier League Clubs: Abahani Limited, Mohammadan SC , Bangladesh Biman , Old DOHS Club, City Club, Victoria SC , BKSP, Surjo Turon Club, Young Pegasus, Partex Sporting Club, Kala Bagan Krira Chackra, Sonargaon Cricketers