Khulna: Khulna tasted a sensational collapse in the second innings today, setting Dhaka Division a target of only 104 runs to register their first victory in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city’s Mirpur area. Earlier, Dhaka drew all of their past four matches in the country’s first-class cricket tournament.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dhaka resumed Day 2 at 58-3 but were bowled out for just 160, conceding a 12-run lead as Khulna put up 172 in its first innings. However, the slim lead mattered little as Khulna were bundled out for just 91 runs in the second innings. Umpires called stumps when Khulna’s innings came to an abrupt end.
Imrul Kayes, who announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket after this match, made just 1 in his last innings. He earlier scored just 16 in the first innings for Khulna. Young pacer Anamul Haque dismantled Khulna with figures of 4-17, including the wicket of Kayes. Mahfujur Rabby supported hi
m with 3-9, while Sumon Khan, who scalped 6-50 in the first innings, took 2-27 to end with eight wickets in the match.
Amit Mojumder was the top-scorer for Khulna with 38 not out, while No.8 batter Masum Khan Tutul made the next-best score of 14. Earlier, Ariful Islam was the standout performer for Dhaka with a lone effort of 62 in their first innings total of 160 all out.