Khulna:Khulna Division secured a commanding innings and 135-run victory over Barishal in just three days during the first round of the 28th National Cricket League (NCL). The match was held at the Khulna Divisional Stadium where Khulna dismissed Barisal for 94 runs in their first innings and 197 in their second.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khulna's formidable performance was highlighted by Kalam Siddiqui Aleen, who scored 92 runs, and captain Mohammad Mithun, who added 89 runs. Afif Hossain and Nurul Hasan Sohan also contributed significantly with scores of 48 and 47, respectively. The combined efforts led Khulna to a total of 426 after winning the toss and opting to bat first.
In Barisal's first innings, Sheikh Parvez Jibon and Mehedi Hasan Rana took three wickets each, forcing Barisal to follow on. Hafizur Rahman led Barisal's resistance in the second innings with 91 runs off 145 balls, but the team was ultimately bowled out for 197. Khulna's Safar Ali took four wickets, while Sheikh Parvez Jibon claimed three and Samiun Basir Ratul two.
Elsewhere, Mymensingh gained an advantage over Sylhet at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, reaching 148-1 at stumps. Sylhet had earlier taken a slight lead by scoring 327 in response to Mymensingh's 311, with notable performances from Zakir Hasan, Asadullah Al Ghalib, and Tofail Ahmed Raihan. Mymensingh's pacer Azizul Hakim Rony took four wickets.
In Chattogram, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Sadiqur Rahman propelled their team to a lead over Rajshahi by scoring 105 and 115 runs, respectively. Chattogram posted 393 runs in their first innings, while Rajshahi ended the day struggling at 46-2.
Meanwhile, Dhaka Division turned their match against Rangpur Division around at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Taibur Rahman and Sumon Khan's partnership of 172 runs helped Dhaka recover to 284, despite Rangpur's initial 56-run lead. Rangpur's second innings saw a dramatic collapse, ending the day at a vulnerable 6-3.