Rajshahi:On the third day of the third round of the National Cricket League (NCL), Rajshahi's Nayeem Ahmed delivered a remarkable performance by converting his maiden ton into a double century. His innings helped Rajshahi declare their first innings at 457-7 against Barisal at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, putting them in a strong position for victory. By the end of the day, Barisal reached 249-5 in their second innings, holding a narrow lead of just 21 runs.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nayeem became the fifth Bangladeshi batter to score a double century in his first-class career, joining the ranks of Taibur Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Towhid Hridoy, and Abdullah Al Mamun. Barisal's opener, Jawad Abrar, made a notable contribution with 91 off 94 balls, but it was not sufficient to give his team a commanding advantage.
In a parallel match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Khulna's Azizul Hakim Tamim also shone by securing his maiden first-class century, scoring 142 off 147 balls against Chattogram. The former Bangladesh Under-19 captain hit nine fours and 10 sixes. Despite retiring hurt on the previous day, Azizul resumed his innings and was instrumental in taking Khulna from 161-6 to 323 before the innings concluded.
Chattogram, chasing a target of 275, ended the day at 174-5. Mahmudul Hasan and Sadiqur Rahman built a solid foundation with a 129-run partnership for the first wicket. However, Khulna regained control with left-arm spinner Rakib Howlader claiming four wickets.
Meanwhile, Sylhet batted throughout the day against Rangpur to reach 235-8, establishing a 208-run lead at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. Amite Hasan remained unbeaten on 94, poised to reach his century on the fourth day.
At Cox's Stadium Bazar, the match between Mymensingh and Dhaka is heading towards a draw. Dhaka closed the third day at 342-9 in their second innings, still trailing Mymensingh by 45 runs. Dhaka's captain Mohammad Naeem scored 135, and Taibur Rahman added 93. Mymensingh's captain Rakibul Hasan took four crucial wickets to keep his team in the contest. With one day remaining, Dhaka aims to erase the deficit, while Mymensingh hopes to force a result.