Sylhet: Amite Hasan stole the spotlight on Day 3 of the sixth round of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL), becoming the first batter of the season to score a double century. His remarkable innings helped Sylhet take control of their match against Rajshahi.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, elsewhere in the league, Chattogram recorded a commanding victory over Rangpur with a day to spare, continuing their strong run in the competition.
Chattogram vs Rangpur
Chattogram put up a dominant performance to thrash Rangpur by an innings and 43 runs at Cox's Bazar Cricket Stadium. It was their second victory in the league, propelling them to third spot of the point table so far. They completed the victory in three days after Rangpur were bowled out for 181 runs in their second innings, resuming for four for no loss. Spinner duo Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Murad wrecked havoc on Rangpur's batting lineup, claiming eight wickets between them. Both finished with four wickets each. Captain Akbar Ali battled alone to hit the highest score of 58 runs, while Iqbal Hosen made 23. Chattogram, which put on 350 in the first innings thanks to Jillue Rahman Bijoy's 113, were not needed to bat for the second time. Rangpur were bowled out for 126 in the first innings after failing to deal with Chattogram pacer Hasan Mahmud, who took five wickets. Chattogram enforced a follow-on and eventually inflicted an innings defeat.
Sylhet vs Rajshahi
Amite Hasan became the first batter of the season to hit a double century as Sylhet Division dominated against Rajshahi Division at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Resuming the day at 172, Amite went on to score 213 before being dismissed, helping Sylhet declare the first innings on 535-8. The total gave Sylhet a gigantic lead of 299 runs as Rajshahi were bowled out for 236 in their first innings. Rajshahi weathered the deficit to 153 runs, reaching 146-3 at stumps on Day 3. Amite's overnight partner Asadullah Galib narrowly missed a double ton, being removed for 180. However, he and Amite shared a 342-run partnership, the second-highest for the fourth wicket in NCL history. After their departure, Sylhet lost wickets at regular intervals but maintained a significant lead. Nahid Rana was the standout bowler for Rajshahi with 3-88, while Asaduzzaman Payel and Wasi Siddique took two wickets each. In reply, Rajshahi lost three wickets quickly with Nabil Samad taking all three before SM Meherob and Pritom Ku mar steadied the innings. Meherob was batting on 55 with Pritom on 29 at the close of the day.
Barishal vs Mymensingh
Barishal recovered from an early collapse to keep themselves relevant against Mymensingh at Sylhet Academy Ground. Chasing a victory target of 380, they were slumped to 23-4 before Zahiduzzaman and Tasamul Haque put on a stubborn show to help the side reach 108-4 at stumps. Zahid was batting on 47 with Tasamul on 37 after adding 85 runs for the undefeated fifth wicket at stumps on Day 3. They still need 272 runs for victory with six wickets in hand. Resuming the day at 9 for no loss, Mymensingh declared their second innings on 242-9, taking an overall 379-run lead. Barishal's Ruyel Mean followed his 5-75 with 5-64 in the second innings, ending with a match haul of 10 wickets but couldn't prevent Mymensingh from taking a big lead. Al-Amin led Mymensingh's batting with a 73-ball 86, an innings laced with 11 fours and two sixes, while opener Naim Sheikh scored 53. Earlier, in the first innings, Mymensingh posted 354 before being all out, thanks to Abu Haider's 97 and Al-Amin's 74. Barishal were all out for 217, conceding a 138-run lead.
Dhaka vs Khulna
Dhaka Division kept themselves ahead of Khulna after Day 3 at Khulna Divisional Stadium. Resuming at 235-5, Dhaka were eventually bowled out for 310, taking a 116-run first innings lead. Skipper Marshall Ayub scored 53, joining Foysal Ahmed (77) and Jishan Alam (57) as the third half-centurion of the team. Awlad Hossain was the standout bowler for Khulna with 4-79, while Ziaur Rahman bagged 2-51. Khulna, who were bowled out for 194 in the first innings, reached 149-5 in their second innings at stumps, taking an overall lead of 33 runs. Soumya Sarkar was batting on 31 with Imranuzzaman on 27 at the close of the day.