Amite Hasan’s marathon double-century propelled Sylhet Division to an unbeaten start in the National Cricket League (NCL), as they drew against Khulna Division in Cox’s Bazar. Hasan’s epic 455-ball innings, spanning over ten hours, is the third-longest individual score in Bangladesh’s first-class history.
Hasan’s monumental knock, adorned with 18 fours and a six, showcased his remarkable conversion rate in first-class cricket. He forged a crucial 251-run partnership with Asadulla Al Galib, who also notched up his maiden century. However, Galib’s dismissal became a viral sensation when he mistimed a shot off Mahedi Hasan’s delivery, much to the amusement of the Khulna fielders.
Khulna responded with a first-innings total of 273, led by half-centuries from Anamul Haque and Afif Hossain. After being asked to follow on, veteran Mohammad Mithun struck his 16th first-class century. Anamul, Imrul Kayes, and Nurul Hasan also contributed fifties, guiding Khulna to safety with a score of 296 for 3.
Meanwhile, Rangpur Division secured a 101-run victory over Rajshahi Division, propelling them to second place in the standings. Ariful Haque’s unbeaten 103 in the first innings and three wickets in the second innings played a pivotal role in Rangpur’s triumph. Rajshahi’s Sabbir Hossain claimed a six-wicket haul in the first innings, but Rangpur’s bowlers fought back to dismiss Rajshahi for the same score.
Chattogram Division registered their first win of the season, defeating Barishal Division by eight wickets in Cox’s Bazar. Nineteen-year-old Ashraful Hasan Rohan emerged as the star performer, becoming the youngest Chattogram player to achieve a ten-wicket haul in a match.
Barishal posted 318 runs in their first innings, with Moin Khan and Tasamul Haque scoring fifties. Ashraful’s four wickets and Enamul Hoque’s three wickets restricted Barishal’s total. Shahadat Hossain’s century in Chattogram’s reply brought them within five runs of Barishal’s score. Ashraful then completed his ten-for, dismissing Barishal for a mere 77 in their second innings.
Defending champions Dhaka Division managed to salvage a draw against Dhaka Metropolis in Sylhet. Dhaka Metro came close to victory, but Ripon Mondol and Nazmul Islam held on at the end of the fourth day. Anamul Haque and Shuvagata Hom took four wickets each for Dhaka, while Abu Hider claimed three wickets for Dhaka Metro.
