Sylhet Division emerged victorious in the third round of the National Cricket League (NCL), solidifying their position at the top of the table. Their four-wicket triumph over Rangpur Division was orchestrated by the all-round brilliance of Rejaur Rahman Raja.
Raja’s maiden half-century (59) proved pivotal in Sylhet’s pursuit of 190 in the fourth innings. His 56-run partnership with Pinak Ghosh (42) laid the foundation for the chase, which was completed by captain Amite Hasan’s unbeaten 37.
Sylhet’s bowlers had earlier set the stage for their victory by dismissing Rangpur for 158 in the first innings. Tanbir Hayder (50) and Nobin Islam (50) provided some resistance for Rangpur in their second innings, but Sylhet’s bowlers remained relentless, bowling them out for 220.
In Sylhet, Khulna Division secured a nine-wicket victory over Dhaka Metropolis, thanks to the brilliance of offspinner Mahedi Hasan. Hasan claimed his third ten-wicket haul in first-class cricket, taking 5-62 and 5-88.
Khulna’s openers, Anamul Haque (125) and Amit Majumder (145), had earlier laid the foundation with centuries. Marshall Ayub’s 152 for Dhaka Metro proved to be a lone bright spot, but Khulna’s bowlers proved too strong.
Rajshahi Division defeated Barishal Division by six wickets in Cox’s Bazar. Iftakhar Hossain’s maiden century (116) was in vain as Rajshahi’s bowlers, led by Ali Mohammad Walid (4 wickets), restricted Barishal to 205.
Sunzamul Islam’s six-wicket haul in the second innings helped Rajshahi bowl out Barishal for 137, setting up a modest target of 68. Rajshahi chased down the target in 15 overs, despite losing four wickets.
Defending champions Dhaka Division remain winless after three rounds, following their drawn encounter with Chattogram Division. Sajjadul Haque’s maiden first-class century (139) helped Chattogram post 391, while Mahidul Islam Ankon’s 99 led Dhaka’s response of 401.
