Sylhet: Youngsters Jishan Alam and Ashiqur Rahman Shibli batted impeccably to give Dhaka Division an edge over Rangpur on Day 3 of the first round game in the National Cricket League (NCL) at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today. Jishan was batting on 80 with Ashiqur on 46 as Dhaka reached 212-2, taking a 75-run lead at stumps.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, their resistance put Dhaka on top after Rangpur took a massive 137-run lead in the first innings. Openers Shadman Islam, with 37 runs, and Rony Talukdar, with 42 runs, put on 72 runs from the opening stand to provide Dhaka with a solid base. However, the departure of the duo in quick succession gave Rangpur a ray of hope to scythe down the batting lineup.
Ashiqur and Jishan dented their hopes, sharing 127 runs for the unbeaten third-wicket stand in an unwavering resolve. Resuming the day on 308-8, Rangpur added 50 runs with the remaining two wickets before being all out for 358. Naeem Islam, who earlier on Day 2 brought up his 34th century, a record for a Bangladeshi batter in first-class cricket, stayed not out on 137.
Ripon Mondol and Taibur Rahman picked up three wickets apiece for Dhaka Division. Dhaka were bowled out for 221 in their first innings.