Cox's Bazar: Left-arm spinner Ashraful Hasan led Chattogram to their first victory in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) by securing a six-fer, which helped them crush Barishal by eight wickets. In another highlight of the day, pacer Ebadot Hossain made a notable comeback to competitive cricket after a lengthy hiatus due to knee surgery. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ashraful was instrumental in spinning a web around Barishal at Cox's Bazar Stadium, dismissing them for a mere 77 runs in their second innings. This left Chattogram with a target of just 83 runs, which they reached in 11.3 overs, losing only two wickets. Ashraful's remarkable performance included taking 4-68 in the first innings and six wickets in the second innings, marking his first 10-wicket haul in a first-class match. Despite a valiant century from Chattogram captain Shahadat Hossain Dipu, who scored 116, Barishal initially led by five runs after the first innings. Elsewhere, Ebadot Hossain's return to cricket saw him bo wl 15 overs, taking one wicket for 30 runs, as Sylhet Division gained control over Khulna at Cox's Bazar Academy Ground. Sylhet declared their first innings at 496-7, with Amite Hasan contributing a double century (213) and Asadullah Galib adding 115. Ebadot's efforts helped Sylhet dismiss Khulna for 273, securing a 223-run lead. Meanwhile, Dhaka Metro, recovering from an early collapse thanks to Aminul Islam Biplob's 82, took a 175-run lead against Dhaka Division at Sylhet Academy Ground. At the end of Day 3, Metro was at 186-6, with Biplob and Naim Sheikh (48) stabilizing the innings after an initial scare. In another match, Rangpur Division was on the brink of their second victory in the NCL at Rajshahi Stadium, reducing Rajshahi to 62-6 while chasing 263 for victory. Ariful Haque, who had scored a century in the first innings, took three wickets for 10 runs to aid Rangpur's cause. These matches highlight significant performances and comebacks as the NCL continues to unfold exciting cricketing action.
