Centuries from Tushar Imran and Mehedi Hasan geared up Khulna Division as defending champions compiled 348-3 against Barisal Division at the close of the first day of the second round fixture in the Tier-1 of the Walton National Cricket League (NCL) yesterday.

Chittagong Division scored 67-2 against Rajshahi Division at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi.

Day’s other two matches were not held at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium (SKICS) Academy ground in Cox’s Bazar and at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra due to the wet and soggy outfield condition.

Dhaka Metro vs Sylhet Division Tier-1 match in Cox’s Bazar and Dhaka Division vs Rangpur Division Tier-2 match in Bogra were called off without a ball being bowled.

Barisal vs Khulna

Khulna captain Abdur Razzak chose to bat after winning the toss on batting paradise at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium (SANS), wherein Anamul Haque Bijoy in first round outing cracked league’s first double ton following Robiul Islam Robi’s century.

This time Khulna though lost their openers inside 16 overs put on 272 runs for the third wicket stand between Mehedi Hasan and Tushar Imran. Previous match centurions Robi got out for three, while Bijoy fell for 36.  

By slamming century Tushar yet again kept the feat of the highest century-maker of the country under his belt. So far he scored 23 centuries in first class matches. Rangpur Division captain Naeem Islam emulated the feat with Tushar by clubbing century against Tushar’s team in the opening round encounter.

Before being caught by Abu Sayem off Tanvir Islam, Tushar smashed 23rd century in his first class cricket career. The experienced batsman was seen often devastating with his bat in domestic circuit in this age and He clubbed 132 off 196 that laced with 16 boundaries and one six.

Mehedi Hasan on the other hand was drifting towards double ton as he was shy of 35 runs before closing the day. This was Hasan’s third century. He clouted 15 fours and two sixes in his unbeaten 261-ball 165. Mohammad Mithun was eight not out.

Paceman Kamrul Islam Rabbi snapped up one while Tanvir Islam picked up two wickets for Barisal.

Rajshahi vs Chittagong

Even though the toss was held, the start of the match between Rajshahi Division and Chittagong Division was delayed due to the showers and the wet outfield condition. Rajshahi won the toss and decided to field first at home yard. Later when it started at 2:30pm Chittagong could have scored 67 after playing 43 overs. Although they made a good start Mahabubul Karim and Imrul Karim fell in the gap of 15 runs while Chittagong was on 55. Mahabubul chipped in with 22, while Imrul for 18.

Tasamul Haque remained at stumps on 10, while Yasir Ali was eight not out.

Spinners Sanzamul Islam and Saqlain Sajib evenly shared two wickets between them for Rajshahi.