Prime Bank South Zone made a giant leap in clinching the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) title as they took an upper-hand over BCB North Zone thanks to a brilliant century from Imrul Kayes on day two of the game at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.

Kayes hit 107 to help the side declare the first innings on 365 for eight, taking a valuable first innings lead of 178 runs. The first innings lead means South Zone clinched one bonus point and also earned four bonus points in batting. They strategically deprived North Zone to gain full four bonus points from bowling also by declaring the first innings early. It meant a draw now only could help BCB North Zone retain the title.

Unlike the first innings, in which they were bowled out for 187, North Zone began the second innings confidently by ending the day two on 32 for no loss with Mizanur Rahman and Junaid Siddique batting on 17 and 14 runs respectively. As the bails were drawn yesterday, they were trailing by 146 runs.

While Kayes converted his start to a century, Anamul Haque Bijoy missed out the ton by 11 runs, being out on 89. Resuming the day on 115 for one, Kayes and Bijoy added 90 runs on day two before Farhad Reza broke through with the wicket of the former. In his innings, lasting for 165 balls, Kayes smashed 13 fours and two sixes.

The second wicket partnership between Bijoy and Kayes fetched 184 runs indeed after South Zone lost the first wicket for 21 runs. Bijoy’s innings was laced with seven fours and two sixes as he faced 173 balls.

Tushar Imran then continued his rich vein of form, hitting an invaluable 65 runs and added a 95-run with Mohammad Mithun who helped himself with 49 runs. After their departure, no batsmen could set them in the crease well but South Zone got them in such a strong position already that they declared the innings to deprive North Zone from full bowling bonus points.

While the other bowlers failed to make impact, Farhad Reza was the one who gave some torrid period to the South Zone batsmen. Reza claimed five for 57 in this innings.

Liton Das smashed an unbeaten 125 ball-139 as Islami Bank East Zone made a strong reply to Walton Central Zone in the day’s other BCL match at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi.

Liton’s century helped East Zone end the second day on 264 for three, after Central Zone posted 546 before being all out in the first innings. Abdul Majid who retired hurt on 159, came back on the day to complete his second first class double century. He was finally dismissed for 205 off 246, clobbering 22 fours and eight sixes.

Resuming the day on 406 for four, Central Zone added 142 runs on day two with the rest of the wickets. Shuvagat Hom was the other notable contributor with 71 runs. Earlier on day one, opener Shadman Islam made 112. Off-spinner Sohag Gazi was the most successful bowler with five for 188 runs after delivering 42.3 overs.

East Zone lost two wickets with the scoreboard reading 53 but Liton Das and Tasamul Haque combined for a 148-run for the third wicket to help the side hit back. Shuvagata Hom broke the partnership with the wicket of Tasamul for 67, but Liton and Afif Hossain saw off the day without further fuss. Afif was batting on 31, alongside Liton who smacked 23 fours and one six in his 139 not out.