Veteran batsman Tushar Imran continued his prolific form in the National Cricket League when he scored another well-made hundred for Khulna on the opening day of their second round match against Barisal on Friday. Tushar’s 132 runs at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, however, was overshadowed by unheralded team-mate Mahadi Hasan, who scored an unbeaten 165 runs to help the hosts post 348-3 at the end of first day.
Away at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, visiting Chittagong made 67 for 2 in 43 overs after the first session was washed out due to wet outfield and rain.
Not a single ball was bowled in two other matches – Dhaka Metro v Sylhet and Dhaka Division v Rangpur – respectively in Cox’s Bazar and Bogra due to rain and wet outfield.
Khulna v Barisal
Opting to bat first, Khulna lost two opening batsmen Robiul Islam and Anamul Islam, who both scored a century in the previous match, cheaply with just 46 runs on the board.
But Tushar, the top run scorer in first-class cricket among the Bangladeshis did not let them realise the damage as he added 272 runs with young Mahadi for the third wicket.
Tushar celebrated his 24th first-class ton but could not make it longer as he got caught after scoring 132 runs off 196 balls with 16 fours and one six.
Youngster Mahadi on the other hand, completed his third first-class hundred and remained unbeaten on 165, clubbing 15 fours and a six.
Mohammad Mithun was accompanying him at the end of opening day’s play.
Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam claimed two wickets for Barisal giving away 54 runs.
Chittagong v Rajshahi
Chittagong had a trembling start as they were 55-2 on the first day of their rain-hit match as Saqlain Sajib and Sanzamul Islam picked one wicket each for the hosts.
Batsman Tasamul Haque (10 not out) and Yasir Ali (eight not out) were struggling before ending day’s play with 67-2.
-With New Age input
