Dhaka Division moved a step closer to securing the National Cricket League title when they bowled Khulna out for 243 runs in their first innings on the opening day of their final round match in Cox’s Bazar on Saturday. Dhaka, who need just four points to go beyond the reach of their nearest rivals Rajshahi, ensured three bonus points thanks to their bowling exploit and reached 75-1 at close.
Rajshahi dismissed Dhaka Metropolis for 126 runs in the first innings before reaching 139-7 to gain an upper hand in Chittagong.
Sohag Gazi starred at Fatullah as Barisal made 289 runs against Rangpur while an under-strength Chittagong rode on a half-century from tail-ender Mohammad Saifuddin to post 213 against Sylhet at BKSP.
Dhaka v Khulna
All-rounder Ziaur Rahman struck eight sixes and five fours to score 80 from 103 balls, lifting Khulna from 68-5 to 243 all out in Cox’s Bazar. Left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak played a part in the innings hitting three sixes and two fours to score 32 off 21 balls.
Dhaka lost the wicket of their opening batsman Abdul Majid (42) and the stumps were drawn on the opening day with Rony Talukdar unbeaten on 32 at the other end.
Rajshahi v Dhaka Metro
Medium pacer Delwar Hossain grabbed 5-41 as Rajshahi folded Dhaka Metro for 126 runs shortly after the lunch break and reached 139-7 at close, taking a 13-run lead already.
Sabbir Rahman scored highest 64 runs for Rajshahi facing 107 balls and clubbing nine boundaries.
Barisal v Rangpur
Sohag Gazi regained some batting form to smash 80 off 67 balls, which included six fours and five sixes, as Barisal posted 289 runs against Rangpur at Fatullah outer stadium. Kamrul Islam chipped in with 52 from 58 balls batting at number 10.
In reply, Rangpur made 89-2 with Nasir Hossain unbeaten on 27.
Chittagong v Sylhet
Chittagong, who are without injured Tamim Iqbal and sick Nafees Iqbal, had to rely on Saifuddin’s 64 from 107 balls to score 213 runs. Abdullah Al Mamun (41) and Mominul Haque (35) were the two other notable run-getters for the underperforming former champions.
Enamul Haq grabbed 3-68 and then came on as nightwatchman to remain unbeaten on 15 in Sylhet’s score of 75-3 at the stumps.
-With New Age input
