Dhaka: The Day 1 of the fourth round of the 26th National Cricket League (NCL) showcased riveting performances, featuring two centuries and a remarkable six-fer across various venues today. Ariful Haq's unbeaten 103 for Rangpur Division was overshadowed by pacer Sabbir Hosan's impressive 6-47 for Rajshahi, while Sylhet's Amite Hasan continued his exceptional form with another century. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rangpur Division found themselves in a precarious position despite Ariful Haque's valiant century. They were bowled out for 189 against Rajshahi Division at the Rajshahi Stadium. Ariful's 103 not out came amidst a batting collapse, with only Naeem Islam (28) providing some support. Sabbir Hosan emerged as the chief destroyer, claiming six wickets. By the end of the day, Rajshahi was 39-1, with Habibur Rahman and Sabbir Hossain at the crease. In another encounter at the Cox's Bazar Cricket Academy, Sylhet Division's captain Amite Hasan remained unbeaten on 109, steering his team to 244- 3 against Khulna Division. His efforts were complemented by Pinak Ghosh, who narrowly missed his century, falling for 99. The duo's 168-run partnership for the third wicket laid a strong foundation for Sylhet. Khulna's Mahedi Hasan managed to dismiss Pinak, but Amite stayed firm along with Asadullah Galib, who was batting on 8 at stumps. Chattogram Division, playing against Barishal Division at the Cox's Bazar Stadium, saw a noteworthy bowling performance from Enamul Haque Ashiq and Ashraful Hasan, who picked three wickets each. Barishal struggled but managed to reach 236-7, thanks to Tasamul Haque's 53. Moin Khan supported with an unbeaten 43, as Barishal recovered from a middle-order slump induced by Chattogram's bowlers. Meanwhile, at Sylhet Cricket Academy, Shamsur Rahman Shuvo's innings of 86 helped Dhaka Metro recover from early setbacks to post 233-6 against Dhaka Division. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Shamsur's partnerships with Aich Mollah and Tajjibul Islam provided stability. Anam ul Haque and Shuvagata Hom were effective for Dhaka Division with three and two wickets respectively, as Tahjibul (29*) and Abu Haider Rony (2*) remained unbeaten at the close of play.
