Dhaka: The opening day of the fifth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) witnessed bowlers taking center stage across various grounds in the country. Dhaka pacer Sumon Khan and Chattogram's Fahad Hossain were among the standout performers, showcasing their skills on a day dominated by the bowlers. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhaka's Sumon Khan claimed impressive figures of 6-50 as Khulna was bowled out for 172 at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Despite Khulna's struggles, they managed to reduce Dhaka to 58-3 by stumps, with Al-Amin Hossain causing trouble for Dhaka by taking two wickets. Khulna's captain, Mohammad Mithun, fought valiantly with a score of 69, supported by Anamul Haque Bijoy's 28. In Chattogram, Fahad Hossain's 5-31 helped Chattogram gain an advantage over Rajshahi Division at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Rajshahi was dismissed for 112, with Fahad dismantling their middle order. Chattogram ended the day at 173-8, leading by 61 runs, thanks to Sadikur Ra hman's half-century on a challenging surface. Sylhet's Nasum Ahmed took 4-19 against Dhaka Metro at Khulna Stadium, as Sylhet bowled out Metro for 130. Supported by Rejaur Rahman Raja and Khaled Ahmed, Sylhet reached 137-2 by stumps, led by Amite Hasan's unbeaten 51. Meanwhile, Barishal's innings against Rangpur at Rajshahi Stadium saw three half-centuries as they reached 266-7. Iftekhar Hossain Ifti, Salman Hossain Emon, and Tasamul Haque all contributed significantly to Barishal's total.
