Khulna: Khulna Division made a winning start to the 27th National Cricket League (BCB), defeating Barishal Division by seven wickets inside three days in their first-round match at the Khulna Divisional Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Barishal resumed day three on 119-4 but were bowled out for 224 in their second innings, leaving Khulna needing just 38 runs to secure victory. Khulna reached the target in 10.5 overs, despite losing three wickets in the process.
The victory was assured for Khulna once they enforced a follow-on against Barishal after dismissing them for a mere 126 in response to Khulna’s 313 all out in the first innings. With a 187-run deficit, Barishal required a significant batting effort to challenge Khulna, but their efforts fell short.
Shamsur Rahman emerged as the top-scorer for Barishal in the second innings with 44 runs, followed by opener Iftikhar Hossain Ifti with 40 and Fazle Mahmud who contributed 32 runs. Afif Hossain, who dismantled Barishal’s batting lineup in the first innings with a 6-31 haul, including a hat-trick, claimed 2-51 in the second innings, finishing the match with figures of 8-82. His outstanding performance earned him the man of the match award. Yasen Muntasir, Abdul Halim, and Nahidul Islam also chipped in with two wickets each.