Khulna women clinch title

Khulna Division emerged champions in the third Women’s National Cricket League with an emphatic 58-run win over Dhaka Division at Khulna Divisional Stadium yesterday.
Salma Khatun grabbed three scalps as Dhaka were skittled out for 78 in 42.3 overs chasing a moderate total of 136 made by Khulna, who fell in trouble after opting to bat first.
Opener Suktara, however, stood tall against the Dhaka bowlers and hammered 54 off 140 balls that included six fours. Suktara, who was adjudged man of the match and player of the series, repaired the early setback adding 34 runs with one-down Rumana Ahmed, who made a 33-ball 14 before being run out, leaving the side at 43 for two.
She later built up another significant partnership of 54 runs for the fourth wicket with captain Salma Khatun, who made 22 off 55 balls before being the third scalp of Dhaka bowler Salma Akther.
After the departure of Salma, Khulna added 39 runs losing the last five wickets to finish 136 all out in 50 overs as number nine batter Bayshakey struck a 29-ball 16 featuring two boundaries.
In reply, Dhaka lost wickets at regular intervals as pacer Tazia struck a double blow sending back Sharmin (4) and Chamily (5). Rumna broke the middle order while captain Salma wrapped up the tail taking three wickets for three runs. Opener Ayesha top-scored with 17 followed by Shohily Akhter, who remained unbeaten on 11.
In the day’s other match, Rajshahi Division handed a 56-run defeat to Chittagong Division in Khulna.
Chasing the winning target of 158, Chittagong were all out for 101 in 43.4 overs in the face of some tight bowling from Lota Mondal (3/15), Doli Rani (2/14) and Shathira Jakir (2/18). Fatema-Tu-Johura was the most successful batter scoring 46 runs off 89 balls that included seven boundaries.
After choosing to bat first, Rajshahi got off to a fine start as the openers put on 37 runs before being separated. Shathira Jakir made 23 while her partner Lota Mondoal made 14 before both were victims of Tripti. Middle order Doly Rani, however, top-scored with 32 for Rajshahi to put on a competitive total of 157 all out in 37.1 overs.