The unbeaten run of Barisal in the National Cricket League one-day version ended on Tuesday when they lost to Dhaka by 34 runs in the fourth round at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.
Rajshahi returned to winning ways after a third round loss as they handed a humiliating 10-wicket defeat to Sylhet, tournament’s punching bag, who are yet to win any match.
Rajshahi joined Dhaka and Barisal at the top of the points table with each team collecting six points from four matches. In the other match of the day, Khulna eked out a two-wicket win over struggling Chittagong to go close to the trio at the summit with four points.
Dhaka v Barisal
Mohammad Sharif led Dhaka from front with 5-20 as the hosts dismissed Barisal for 136 runs in 46 overs, defending a meager total of 170 runs. Barisal lost much of their strength when their two key performers Roqibul Hasan and Shahriar Nafees left for the national camp and it was evident in their batting card as they lost first seven wickets for 85 runs.
Arafat Salahuddin made 34 runs giving the innings some respectability, but that was not enough. Earlier, Mehrab Hossain made highest 59 runs for Dhaka facing 82 balls and hitting seven fours.
Sylhet v Rajshahi
Pace bowler Alauddin Babu and spinner Sanjamul Islam grabbed three wickets each as Rajshahi folded Sylhet for only 94 runs before racing to 98-1 with
more than 18 overs to spare in the rain reduced 45-over-a-side match at Bogra. Opening the innings, all-rounder Farhad Reza starred with the bat for Rajshahi with 77 not out, facing 82 balls. His innings included 13 boundaries.
Chittagong v Khulna
Rain also interrupted the match at Rajshahi between Chittagong and Khulna as the play started only at 1.20pm. Each side were allocated 23 overs Chittagong, sent in to bat first, ended their stipulated overs on 121-8 with Faisal Hossain making highest 45 off 51 balls.
Khulna reached 125-8 with seven balls to play thanks to a late onslaught by Ziaur Rahman, who was unbeaten on 24 off 19 balls smacking two sixes and as many fours.
