Sylhet Division Top the NCL Standings with Convincing Win Over Rangpur

Sylhet Division have surged to the top of the National Cricket League (NCL) table following a thrilling four-wicket victory over Rangpur Division in the third round of the tournament, held in Bogra. The win sees Sylhet remain the only unbeaten team in the competition.

In a low-scoring contest, Sylhet's fast bowlers laid the foundation for the win by dismissing Rangpur for just 158 in their first innings. Sylhet then managed a slender 31-run first-innings lead, finishing with 189 runs on the board. Rangpur's second-innings fightback, led by half-centuries from Tanbir Hayder and Nobin Islam, saw them post 220. The pair's brilliant 149-run stand for the seventh wicket kept Rangpur alive in the contest, but Sylhet were always in control.

The chase of 190 was not without its challenges, but Sylhet were steadied by a superb all-round performance from Rejaur Rahman Raja. Sent out as a nightwatchman on day three, Raja contributed 56 runs in a vital third-wicket partnership with Pinak Ghosh, who made 42. On the fourth day, Raja batted with resilience, making 59 runs off 108 balls, and ensuring his team remained on track. Sylhet captain Amite Hasan completed the chase with an unbeaten 37, guiding his side to a four-wicket win.

Mahedi Hasan Stars in Khulna’s Dominant Win Over Dhaka Metropolis

In Sylhet, Khulna Division registered a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over Dhaka Metropolis, with offspinner Mahedi Hasan taking a match-winning 10-wicket haul.

Batting first, Khulna posted a formidable 376, powered by centuries from openers Anamul Haque and Amit Majumder. Amit, with a career-best 145, top-scored, while Anamul contributed 125, marking his 24th century in first-class cricket. Despite a mid-innings collapse, Khulna managed a strong total.

Dhaka Metropolis, in reply, were bowled out for 210, with Mahedi claiming 5-62. Marshall Ayub fought back for Dhaka with a brilliant 152, his 26th first-class century, and added 182 runs for the fifth wicket with Aminul Islam (73). But Mahedi returned to take 5-88 and ensure Dhaka's downfall.

Chasing 207 for victory, Khulna wrapped up the target in just 35 overs, thanks to quickfire fifties from Anamul and Imrul Kayes. The win keeps Khulna firmly in the hunt in the NCL.

Rajshahi Beat Barishal to Maintain Strong Position

Rajshahi Division secured a six-wicket win over Barishal Division in Cox’s Bazar, with a commanding all-round performance. Barishal, batting first, were dismissed for 205, despite a valiant maiden century from Iftakhar Hossain, who made 116 off 205 balls. Rajshahi’s Ali Mohammad Walid starred with the ball, taking four wickets.

Rajshahi responded with a solid 280, led by Pritom Kumar’s 80, which gave them a 75-run first-innings lead. In their second innings, Barishal were again bundled out for 137, with veteran left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam taking a brilliant 6-41.

Chasing just 68 runs to win, Rajshahi completed the task in 15 overs, losing four wickets in the process, to take a crucial victory.

Dhaka Division's Winless Run Continues After Draw Against Chattogram

Defending champions Dhaka Division's struggles continued in the third round, as they were held to a draw by Chattogram Division at the Cox's Bazar Academy ground. Batting first, Chattogram posted a strong 391, with Sajjadul Haque scoring a magnificent 139, his maiden first-class century at the age of 34. Sajjadul added 221 runs for the second wicket with Parvez Hossain Emon, who made 95.

Dhaka Division responded with 401, with Mahidul Islam Ankon, fresh from his Test debut against South Africa, leading the charge with a knock of 99. Contributions from Ashiqur Rahman Shibli, Joyraz Sheik, and Taibur Rahman ensured Dhaka posted a substantial total. Chattogram then reached 124 for four in their second innings before the match ended in a draw.

Despite the draw, Dhaka Division remains winless after three rounds, while Chattogram will look to build on the positive result.

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