Khulna give befitting reply
Sports Reporter
Defending champion Khulna Division responded well against Rajshahi Divisions first innings 417 in the Tier-1 fixture of the Walton National Cricket League (NCL) at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium (SANS) in Khulna yesterday.
Khulna put on 185 with no loss courtesy of Anamul Haque Bijoy (105 not out) and Robiul Islam Robi (67 not out) unbeaten opening stand that kept them 286 runs away from the lead.
Centuries of Rony Talukdar and Saif Hasan guided Dhaka Division to put on a comprehensive 309-2 against Barisal Division at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Coxs Bazar.
At Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Dhaka Metro took a 226-run lead against Chittagong Division and Sylhet Division took a 139-run lead against Rajshahi Division at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi in the Tier-2 matches.
Khulna vs Rajshahi
Resuming the second day at 325-6, Rajshahi Division finally stretched their first innings total 471. After Naeem Islam and Dhiman Ghosh, Suhrawardi Shuvo went to nearby century. When he was caught out by Afif Hossain off Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, he was just 11 runs away from his fourth first class century. The 28-year-old all-rounder made 89 off 121 with 16 boundaries.
Before being got out by part-timer Tushar Imran, Naeem struck 249-ball 135 that laced with 12 fours and a six.
Al Amin Hossain, who added one wicket with his overnight three, gave away 102 runs to take four wickets after Abdur Razzaks three-for.
In reply, Khulna Division answered with bat as they finished the day with 185 for no loss. Wicketkeeper-batsman Anamul Haque Bijoy remained unbeaten on 105 off 175 with 11 boundaries. Robiul Islam Robi was 67 not out.
Barisal vs Dhaka
Even though the first day was abandoned due to the wet outfield, Dhaka Division got off to a flying start on the second day as they mustered 309 for two. Rony smashed six sixes and eight fours in his 195-ball 121. Saif Hasan lashed an unbeaten 106 off 193 with nine boundaries and five sixes. Rabikul Hasan was 45 not out.
Metro vs Chittagong
Dhaka Metro added 87 runs to stretch their first innings from 257-5 to 344. Naeem Hasan grabbed four wickets for Chittagong, who in reply were bundled out for paltry 130. Pinak Ghosh top-scored for them with 28. Later Metro scored 12 for two in second innings.
Sylhet vs Rajshahi
After being scored just 128 in first innings, Sylhet Division restricted Rajshahi Division to a measly 79 at their yard. Sayem Alam was the wrecker-in-chief, who scalped six- wicket haul, giving away 32 runs.
He was ably supported by Abdul Hasan Raju who claimed three wickets. Later, the visiting side collected 90 for five in their second innings with Shahanur Rahman batting on 26.
