Dhaka and Rajshahi divisions emerged winners while two other matches ended in a draw in the second round of the National Cricket League that ended on Tuesday.
At the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra, Dhaka defeated holders Rangpur by eight wickets, despite a century of Rangpur batsman Sohrawardi Shuvo.Junaed Siddique followed his first innings 81 with 102 runs as Rajshahi came from behind to beat Chittagong by seven wickets at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Marshal Ayub hammered his second century in the match to help Dhaka Metropolis avoid a defeat against Khulna.
Mosaddek Hossain scored 61 runs in the second innings after his unbeaten double century in the first innings as Barsial and Sylhet played out a draw at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.
Dhaka v Rangpur
In the upper echelon, Rangpur suffered a heart-breaking defeat despite a brave effort from their skipper Sohrawardi, who made 121 off 250 balls, his only second first-class century.
Thanks to his century, Rangpur, who were following on with 201-run deficit in the first innings, scored 255 runs in the second innings.
More importantly, they batted 83 overs on the fourth day, leaving Dhaka to score 55 runs in just five overs under fading light on the final day.
Shuvagata Hom showed the intent hitting Sajedul Islam three sixes in the very first over before scoring an unbeaten 40 off just 16 balls to complete the win with four balls in hand.
Rajshahi v Chittagong
In the second tier, Junaed and Under-19 batsman Nazmul Hossain shared 193 runs in the opening stand as hosts Rajshahi made the light work of Chittagong, reaching 260-3 for a simple win.
Set for a target of 257 runs, Rajshahi resumed fourth day’s play on 98-0 and did not lose a wicket until the end of morning session when leg-spinner Jubair Hossain sent back Junaed and Nazmul in successive overs.
Junaed made 102 off 127 balls while fellow left-hander Nazmul added 92 as Rajshahi completed their win at the half-way through the second session.
Sabbir Rahman entertained the sparse crowd with an unbeaten 49 off 38 balls, which included five sixes and three fours, before Rajshahi raced home.
Dhaka Metro v Khulna
Dhaka Metro had Marshal to thank for avoiding the defeat as the right-hander struck an unbeaten 115 adding it to his first innings’ 107 to defy strong Khulna attack.
Khulna enforced a follow on after dismissed Dhaka Metropolis all-out for 271 runs on the third day to take 184-run first innings lead. The home side was staring at a defeat at the lunch break after two wickets from Mehedi Hasan and one apiece from Al-Amin Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman left them reduced to 4-35.
However, Marshal and Asif Ahmed (70) added 143 runs for the fifth wicket to salvage a draw.
Barisal v Sylhet
A draw was always on the card after Sylhet continued their first innings even on the final morning replying to Barisal’s 527-9 declared.
They were finally all out for 400 runs but not before batting for more than 155 overs leaving Barisal with no chance to push for a win.
Fazle Mahmud and Mosaddek, their two centurions in the first innings, used the opportunity for some batting practice to score 47 and 61 runs respectively before two captains agreed for a draw.
The third round of the tournament will commence on October 10.
-With New Age input
