Sylhet: A brilliant century from Sazzadul Hoque Ripon and Iftekhar Hossain Ifti, alongside offspinner Mahedi Hasan’s five-wicket haul, were the highlights of Day 2 in the National Cricket League (NCL) third round. Dhaka Metro faced the prospect of their first defeat after two consecutive victories as Khulna Division enforced a follow-on. Meanwhile, Sylhet and Chattogram strengthened their positions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mahedi Hasan’s impressive figures of 5-62 played a crucial role in Khulna Division’s dominance over Dhaka Metro at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Khulna, resuming their innings at 358-6, were all out for 371, losing their last four wickets for just 23 runs. Mahedi Hasan’s bowling performance skittled Metro for 210, leading them to follow-on. At stumps, Metro were 12 for no loss. Abdul Halim complemented Mahedi with three wickets for 28 runs. Captain Naim Sheikh was the top scorer for Metro with 54, while Aminul Islam Biplob and Marshall Ayub contributed 44 and
37 runs, respectively.
In the match between Chattogram and Dhaka Division at the Cox’s Bazar Academy ground, Sazzadul Hoque Ripon’s century helped Chattogram take control. Chattogram posted a total of 371, with Dhaka ending the day at 22 for no loss. Parvez Hossain Emon narrowly missed his century, being run out for 95. Ripon and Emon’s 221-run partnership for the second wicket was pivotal. Ripon Mondol dismissed Ripon after his 185-ball 139. Chattogram’s innings was bolstered by contributions from captain Shahadat Hossain Dipu and Shamim Patwari. Ripon Mondol, Anamul Haque, and Shuvagata Hom each claimed two wickets.
In the Sylhet versus Rangpur game, 15 wickets fell on Day 2, with Sylhet gaining control. Sylhet, who started at 24 for no loss, were bowled out for 189, securing a slim 31-run lead. Rangpur, having been bowled out for 158 in their first innings, ended the day at 66-5, with a 35-run lead. Robiul Haque and Abul Hashim took three wickets each, while captain Amite Hasan’s 57 helped Sylhet secure
a lead. Openers Pinak Ghosh and Taufiq Khan Tushar added identical 28 runs each. Tofael Ahmed’s 3-13 left Rangpur in a difficult position.
In the match between Barishal and Rajshahi at Cox’s Bazar Stadium, Day 1 was washed out. Barishal, opting to bat first, were bowled out for 205, with Iftekhar Hossain Ifti scoring 116. Moinul Islam and Salman Emon were the other notable contributors with 33 and 30 runs, respectively. Rajshahi’s Walid Hossain took 4-51, while Wasi Siddiquee claimed 2-27.