Chattogram:Robiul Islam Robi and Irfan Sabbir Takrir played pivotal roles on the opening day of the Second XI Championship of the National Cricket League (NCL), which witnessed a dramatic fall of 50 wickets across three matches.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Robi, an off-spinner from Khulna, delivered an outstanding performance by claiming seven wickets for 50 runs, leading to Dhaka's dismissal for 143 at BKSP-2. His victims included Adil Bin Siddique, Ryan Rafsan, Ahrar Amin Pian, Debashish Sarkar, Shakil Hossain, Mahfuzur Rabbi, and Hasan Ali. Abhishek Das Aranya and Masum Khan Tutul took the remaining two wickets. For Dhaka, Aich Molla was the top scorer with 26 runs.
In response, Khulna ended the day at 118-5. Jawad Rowen was unbeaten on 33, and Siam Hossain Dipu contributed 34 runs. Robi also added 25 runs before being dismissed. Dhaka's Maruf Mridha and Mahfuzul Rabbi each took two wickets.
At BKSP-3, Sylhet faced a tough time, being bowled out for just 38 against Rangpur. Mazharul Haque Majed was the top scorer with nine runs. Bowler Arif Ahmed Anik took three wickets, while Sohel Rana, Tafsir Arafat Tasib, and Leon Islam claimed two each. Rangpur closed the day at 127-6, with Sams Niloy not out on 45. Shihab James scored 20 runs, while Sylhet's Muzakkir Hossain took four wickets.
Meanwhile, at BKSP-4, Mymensingh was all out for 137, losing wickets at regular intervals. Mazharul Islam scored 43 and Taiyab Alam Diganta contributed 22. From Rajshahi, Naeem Islam Jr. took four wickets, while Ryan Ali Ikram and Shahadat Hossain picked three each. Rajshahi ended the day on 125-3, with Emon Ali not out on 56.
Chattogram's impressive batting performance at the National Cricket Ground in Purbachal set the highest score of the day at 337-6 against Barisal. After a shaky start at 114-4, Takrir and Shahriar Ahmed stabilized the innings with a 120-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Shahriar scored 73, including six fours and three sixes. Takrir's century came off 197 balls, featuring 15 fours and a six. Shamim Mia remained unbeaten on 67. Barisal's Mahmudullah Riyad Junior took two wickets.