Rajshahi:The third day of the National Cricket League (NCL) saw a flurry of centuries across various venues, while Rajshahi teetered on the edge of an innings defeat against Dhaka. Sylhet's Amite Hasan and Ashraful Hasan Rihad, along with Barisal's Fazle Rabbi, were among the standout performers scoring centuries.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhaka Division is poised for their first victory of the season against Rajshahi, who were forced to follow on at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. Dhaka's opener Naim Sheikh led the charge with a remarkable 282, guiding his team to a first-innings total of 521. Rajshahi, starting the day at 103-6, were bowled out for 162. Facing the follow-on, they reached 215-5 by stumps, still trailing Dhaka by 144 runs, with Sabbir Rahman leading their resistance with an unbeaten 64.
In the Sylhet vs Khulna match at Cox's Bazar, Sylhet amassed 575-4 in a rain-affected game. Centuries from Amite Hasan, who was unbeaten on 171, and Ashraful Hasan Rihad, who scored 101 not out, were highlights of the day. The match seems headed for a draw due to rain interruptions and Sylhet's ongoing innings.
Meanwhile, in Bogura, Chattogram ended Day 3 at 424-6 against Mymensingh at Shaheed Chandu Stadium. This followed Mymensingh's declaration at 465-7, anchored by Mahfizul Islam Robin's double century. Chattogram's innings were marked by half-centuries from five batters, with Shahadat Hossain leading with 95.
Barisal declared their first innings at 443-9 against Rangpur at Sylhet Academy Ground, securing a 41-run lead. Fazle Rabbi's century, his 11th in first-class cricket, was pivotal in their innings. Rangpur reached 5 without loss at stumps, setting up an intriguing final day.
These performances highlight a day dominated by batting prowess, setting the stage for potentially dramatic conclusions in the ongoing NCL matches.