Dhaka: Dhaka Division secured its first victory in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) as they clinched a nine-wicket win over Khulna Division in their fifth round game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today. Dhaka earlier drew their first four matches, meaning they are yet to suffer a defeat in the league.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhaka’s victory in this match was sealed when they were set just a 104-run target for victory. They reached the winning mark, losing one wicket in 17.2 overs to complete the victory inside three days. Khulna veteran Imrul Kayes, who played 39 Test matches for Bangladesh, retired from Test and first class cricket after this match.
Dhaka, however, denied Kayes a winning farewell. Opener Rony Talukdar hammered a 54-ball 62 not out with eight fours and three sixes to seal the deal. Ariful Islam was unbeaten on 42. Rony and Ariful propelled the side to victory by sharing an unbeaten 104-run second wicket stand after Joyraj Sheik was dismissed in the fir
st ball of the day.
Khulna were earlier bundled out for 172 runs in their first innings and took a 10-run lead by wrapping up Dhaka for 160 runs. However, they were skittled out for just 91 runs in the second innings, paving the way for their first defeat in the league. Khulna has so far won one, lost one, and drawn three matches in five games.