Sylhet: Dependable batter Mushfiqur Rahim, who is on the verge of becoming the first Bangladeshi cricketer to play 100 Test matches, led Sylhet Division’s strong reply against Dhaka on a rain-shortened Day 3 of their second-round game in the National Cricket League (NCL) at Sylhet Academy Ground today. At stumps, he was batting on 93 as Sylhet reached 260-7, replying to Dhaka’s 310 all out in the first innings.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the match appeared to head toward a draw, but a century from Mushfiqur Rahim would be a boon for Bangladesh ahead of the Ireland Test series, in which the veteran batter will play his 100th Test. Zakir Hasan and Shykat Ali added 71 runs for the opening stand after resuming the day at 33 for no loss. Both failed to convert their start, with captain Zakir perishing on 43 and Shykat, who hit 175 in the previous round, making 27.
Sylhet lost two more wickets in quick succession before Mushfiqur held one end firm, leading the side’s recovery from the dire situation. Ebadot Hossain was batting on 5 with Mushfiqur when the bails were drawn for Day 3.