Sylhet: Abu Haider Rony, primarily a pace bowler, hit his maiden first-class century as Mymensingh Division kept Sylhet at bay in their first-round game in the National Cricket League (NCL) at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. Haider's century helped Mymensingh pile up 401 before being all out in their first innings after resuming Day 2 on 268-7.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sylhet reached 198-5 at stumps with Rejaur Rahman Raja batting on 14 and Tofael Ahmed on 11. Opener Shykat Ali scored 53 before retiring from the innings due to injury. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who will be the first Bangladeshi batter to play 100 Tests when Bangladesh takes on Ireland next month, made just 20.
The day, however, belonged to Haider, who single-handedly propelled the side past 400 after it looked improbable. He got support from Shohidul Islam, who added 33. But after adding 76 runs with Haider, he became the eighth batter out with the scoreboard reading 319-8.
Haider then made 70 runs to take the side past 400, with No. 10 and 11 batters Rakibul Hasan and Maruf Mridha scoring 6 and 2 runs, respectively. Khaled Ahmed and Asadullah Al Galib scalped three wickets apiece for Sylhet.