Amite: The Day 1 of the National Cricket League (NCL) third round saw an action-packed day with Amite Hasan and Paran missing deserving centuries. On the other hand, Naim Sheikh and Salman Hossain Emon demonstrated the consistency required to keep them relevant.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rajshahi faced Barishal at Khulna Divisional Stadium, where Salman Emon hit a half-century following his century in the previous round. Despite his efforts, Barishal Division was held at bay by Rajshahi bowlers, being bowled out for 212 in their first innings. Rajshahi ended the day at six for no loss. Rajshahi’s bowlers, including Shafiqul Islam, Ali Mohammad Walid, Rahim Ahmed, Nihaduzzaman, and Sunzamul Islam, each took two wickets. Barishal initially made a strong start with openers Iftekhar Hossain Ifti and Zahiduzzaman Khan adding 62 runs. However, Salman Emon’s fighting 58 ensured Barishal crossed the 200-run mark.
In Chattogram, the hosts made a strong start against Khulna Division at Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium, reaching 340-8. Paran missed his century by nine runs, scoring 91 in a 100-ball knock featuring 10 fours and four sixes. He shared a crucial 94-run partnership with Sazzadul Hoque Ripon. Despite Paran’s dismissal by Yaseen Muntasir, Ripon and Irfan Shukkur added 69 runs for the sixth wicket. Chattogram’s lower order contributed with Nayeem Hasan adding 45 runs, while Ashraful Hasan and Mahedi Hasan remained unbeaten at stumps. Khulna’s Sofor Ali was the most successful bowler with 4-51, and Mehedi Hasan Rana took 2-79.
At Cox’s Bazar Cricket Stadium, Amite Hasan of Sylhet missed out on a deserved century as his team was reduced to 172-7 against Rangpur. After a delayed start due to a wet outfield, Sylhet struggled against Robiul Haque, who removed both openers cheaply. Amite resisted with a confident 91 off 110 balls, featuring 11 boundaries, before being dismissed by Mukidul Islam Mugdho. Rangpur’s Abdullah Al Mamun claimed 3-55, slicing through Sylhet’s middle order. Rejaur Rahman Raja and Naim Hossain Sakib remained unbeaten when bad light ended the day’s play.
In another match at Cox’s Bazar Cricket Academy, Mymensingh reached 100-2 against Dhaka Division on a rain-curtailed day. Opener Naim Sheikh continued his good form with an unbeaten 55, ensuring Mymensingh stayed out of trouble despite Dhaka’s bowling efforts. Only 32 overs were possible due to a delayed start. Abdul Mazid contributed 23 before retiring hurt due to injury, while Aminul Islam Biplob was unbeaten on 8 at stumps. Dhaka’s Anamul Haque and Salahuddin Shakil took one wicket each.