Cox's Bazar: Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain made a decent comeback to competitive cricket on a day when his side Sylhet Division took command over Khulna in their fourth-round game in the National Cricket League at Cox's Bazar Academy Ground today. All eyes were on Ebadot as he resumed competitive cricket after a knee surgery that kept him out of the cricket field for one and a half years. He bowled 15 overs and took one wicket for 30 runs, which was not a bad outing for a man playing cricket after a long hiatus. Sylhet eventually dismissed Khulna for 273 runs in the first innings to take a 223-run lead. Sylhet earlier declared their first innings at 496-7, thanks to Amite Hasan's 213 and Asadullah Galib's 115. Pinak Ghosh fell for 99. The bails were drawn for Day 3 after Khulna's innings came to an end. Pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed and left-arm spinner Nabil Samad snapped up three wickets apiece for Sylhet to derail the Khulna innings. Nayeem Ahmed returned figures of 2-59. Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy top-scored for Kh ulna with 131 ball-88, smashing seven fours and five sixes. Afif Hossain made 53 while Mohammad Mithun contributed 47 but none of them could prolong their innings which hurt Khulna eventually. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ebadot's return to the field was a significant moment, not just for him but also for the Sylhet team, who gained a psychological edge over Khulna with his presence. Sylhet's impressive first innings was bolstered by the standout performances of Amite Hasan and Asadullah Galib, with Hasan's double century setting a solid foundation. The Sylhet bowlers capitalized on this strong start, with Khaled Ahmed and Nabil Samad leading the attack effectively, ensuring Khulna could not build significant partnerships. Despite Khulna's efforts, particularly from Anamul Haque Bijoy and Afif Hossain, the team fell short in extending their innings, ultimately granting Sylhet a commanding position in the match.
