Former national captain Min-hazul Abedin bid adieu to a cricket career spanning 24 years in style when arguably the finest batsman of the country made a match-winning 71 not out in his last match yesterday.

Affectionately known as Nannu, Minhazul opened the innings and helped Mohammedan Sporting Club reach 206-5 in reply to Agrani Bank's 205-9 in both sides' last match of the Green Delta Premier Cricket League at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium.

It was a perfect parting shot for the 40-year-old from Chittagong, who has been a run-machine ever since he began his illustrious career with little-known Rangers in the port city.

His first taste of top-flight cricket, however, came when he joined Lalmatia Club in the 1981-82 season. He switched to Abahani the next season and stayed there for two years before finally finding his feet for Mohammedan. He had another stint with Abahani and Surjo Torun later.

"I would have been more satisfied had Mohammedan won the title this year," said the middle-order batsman with tears rolling down his cheeks.
The elegant right-hander is a rare professional cricketer, who was equally at home against pace and spin.
Minhazul, who made his Bangladesh debut during the national team's tour of Kenya in 1986, played in the 1999 World Cup in England where he won the man-of-the-match award in Bangla-desh's victory over Scotland.

"I decided to quit after being troubled by injury. I am happy that I have managed to go out at the right time," the Mohammedan skipper, whose only half-century in the season won him the man-of-the-match award in the last league match.

"If the Board wants, I would like to work in cricket but in a different capacity," said Manhaz, whose only regret was not getting a Test cap.
Mohammedan officials and members of Bangladesh Cricketers Welfare Association presented bouquets to famous cricket.

Meanwhile, Abahani recorded a comprehensive 62-run win to spoil Old DOHS's championship party at the BKSP ground in another match of the day.

DOHS, who had ensured their first league title on debut winning the last match, were all out for 160 while chasing Abahani's 222-6.
Half-centuries by Imran Ahmed (51) and Saqib Chowdhury (63) during a 116-run opening stand helped Abahani put up a decent total after being put into bat. Later, off-spinner Ali Arman Rajan, adjudged-man-of-the-match, grabbed four wickets for six runs from 5.5 overs as Akram Khan's men Lost the last nine wickets for 58 runs despite a swashbuckling 82-ball 79 by opener Nazimuddin.

DOHS and City Club, who handed a massive 148-run defeat on two-time champions Victoria Sporting Club on the same day, ended level on 18 points from 11 matches but DOHS are crowned champions by virtue of their head-to-head record. DOHS defeated City Club in the second round.

Out-of-favour Tareq Aziz, adjudged man-of-the-match, took 5-36 as Victoria were shot out for 86 while chasing 235 for victory at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium.

The league will end tomorrow with three matches.