Khulna eye victory as Sylhet, Rajshahi dominate
The bowlers dominated the Day 3 of the third round of the National Cricket League at different venues across the country today. While Khulna sensed a chance to secure a second victory, Rajshahi and Sylhet appeared to be on top. The match between Mymensingh and Dhaka, meanwhile, looked to head toward a draw. Khulna vs Chattogram A brilliant bowling performance helped Khulna Division put on the verge of a victory against Chattogram at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram today.
Mahedi Hasan and Mehedi Hasan Rana picked up three wickets apiece to play a vital role in wrapping Chattogram for just 166 in the second innings, giving their batters a 237-run target for victory in the fourth innings. Soumya Sarkar and Amit Mojumder then kept them unscathed, guiding the side to 52 for no loss at stumps on Day 3. Soumya was batting on 34 with Amit on 10 as Khulna needed only 185 runs to seal the deal on Day 4, the final day of the game.
Resuming the day on 249-8, Khulna were bowled out for just 281 and conceded a 70-run lead in the first innings. Chattogram managed to put up 351 in the first innings before being all out. But Chattogram batted poorly in the second innings, despite a sizable lead as their top order and middle order failed to put up any resistance, leaving the side 60-6. Mehedi Hasan Rana and Mahedi Hasan did the most of the damage before Nayeem Hasan came up with a counterattack. He top-scored for the side with 61 but Khulna bowlers kept striking at regular intervals to wrap up Chattogram for paltry total. Barishal vs Rajshahi Fazle Mahmud hit a half-century as Barishal Division left their third game against Rajshahi in parity at Khulna Divisional Stadium. Resuming the day at 22-1, Barishal were bowled out for 268, setting Rajshahi 246 for victory. Rajshahi reached five for no loss at stumps on Day 3 with Mizanur Rahman batting on 5 and Sabbir Hossain yet to score. Barishal's second innings revolved around Fazle Mahmud Rabbi who top-scored with 69. Some other Barishal batters also got a start but failed to convert it to big knock. Moin Khan made 40, Tasamul Haque added 39 and Shamsur Rahman Shuvo scored 32, missing out to prolong the innings. Ali Mohammad Walid was the most successful bowler for Rajshahi in this innings with 3-57 while Sunzamul Islam, Sabbir Hossain and Rahim Ahmed grabbed two wickets apiece.
Barishal were, earlier, bundled out for 212 in their innings and conceded a 23-run lead when Rajshahi put up 235 before being all out. Sylhet vs Rangpur Opener Mubin Ahmed Dishan hit a half-century as Sylhet Division took a 127- run lead against Rangpur on Day 3 of the National Cricket League (NCL) third round game at Cox's Bazar Cricket Stadium today. Mubin was unbeaten on 76 after playing his career-best knock, helping Sylhet to reach 173-5 in their second innings at stumps. That gave them an overall 127 runs lead, going into the fourth and final day of the game.
Sylhet were bowled out for 199 in their first innings, Resuming the day at 187-8, Rangpur managed to put up 245 before being all out, taking a 46-run first innings lead over Sylhet. Robiul Hoque Robi hammered 70 to play a key role in taking the lead. Pacer Abu Jayed Rahi claimed 4-46 while left-arm spinner Nabil Masam bagged 3-40. Mubin then helped Sylhet into lead, playing with grit and patience amid the wickets tumbling around him. Mymensingh vs Dhaka The third round match between Dhaka and Mymensingh headed toward a draw after the former played an old school cricket on Day 3 at Cox's Cricket Academy today. Resuming the day at 17 for no loss, Dhaka reached 225-4 at stumps, still trailing by 111 runs as Mymensingh piled up 336 before being all out in their first innings. Dhaka played 82 overs before the bad light brought a pre-mature end to the Day 3 and scored just 208 runs. Opener Joyraj Sheikh made highest 77 off 190 balls with seven fours while Ashikur Rahman Shibli scored 46. Marshal Ayub was batting on 56 with Taibur Rahman on 4 when the bails were drawn.
