Wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan struck a century as Dhaka Division scored 252 in their first innings against Khulna to take two batting bonus points, which confirmed their title in the 15th National Cricket League at Cox’s Bazar on Sunday. Dhaka, who were 22 points ahead of their nearest rivals Rajshahi after the sixth round, came into this game needing just four points to take an unassailable lead and they had their job half done with the ball that secured three bonus points.
With just one point away from the long elusive title, Dhaka, replying to Khulna’s 243 all out, resumed the second day’s play at 75-1 and soon fell into the spin trap of Abdur Razzak to be reduced to 96-5.
Razzak finished with 6-101, which came after his nine-wicket haul in an innings in the previous game, but he could not prevent Dhaka from gaining a nine-run first innings lead and securing their required bonus points.
Nurul rescued Dhaka from the precarious situation, hitting 101 from 145 balls with eight fours and four sixes. He was aided by skipper Mohammad Sharif, who made 36 from 89 balls.
Al close on the second day, Khulna were 94-3 with national stalwart Anamul unbeaten on 36.
Barisal v Rangpur
At the Fatullah outer stadium, Dhiman Ghosh smashed 149 runs as Rangpur took a 57-run lead over Barisal by reaching 346-5 at close on the second day, replying to 289 runs.
Resuming the play at 89-2, Rangpur soon lost their star batsman Nasir Hossain, who could add just five runs to his overnight 27. However, Naeem Islam and Dhiman added 138 runs for the fourth wicket to put them firmly in control.
Monir Hossain dismissed Naeem for 60 but Dhiman continued his brilliant batting, clubbing 20 fours and a six before he was trapped leg-before by Moinul Islam. Mahmudul Hasan (10) and Tanvir Haider (38) were batting when the stumps were drawn for the second day.
Rajshahi v Dhaka Metro
Dhaka Metro bounced back from their first innings batting failure to post 253-5 in the second innings thanks to a 165-run opening stand between Shaikat Ali and Sadman Islam. Both Shaikat and Sadman raised the chance of a century but missed out at the end.
Shaikat was forced to retire after scoring 94 runs while Under-19 opener Sadman made 85 before falling to Habibur Rahman. Asif Ahmed was batting on 52 at close as Dhaka Metro, who were bowled out for 126 runs in the first innings to concede an 81-run deficit, now lead Rajshahi by 172 runs.
Chittagong v Sylhet
In a bottom of the table clash at BKSP, Faisal Hossain claimed 5-36 as Chittagong, who made 213 runs in the first innings, bowled out Sylhet for 190 for a 23-run lead. Chittagong stretched their advantage to 175 runs, reaching 152-3 in the second innings at the stumps.
Test batsman Mominul Haque was eying his first century in the competition after remaining unbeaten on 53 while Nazimuddin made 64.
-With New Age input
