Sylhet: Veteran Naeem Islam hit his 34th first-class century as Rangpur Division kept them aloft over Dhaka Division on Day 2 of the National Cricket League’s (NCL) first-round game at Sylhet Academy Ground today. Naeem was batting on 111, helping Rangpur reach 308-8 at stumps. They eventually ended Day 2 with an 87-run lead as Dhaka was bowled out for 221 in its first innings earlier.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Naeem held together the innings after the top-order batters failed to carry their start. He stitched two important partnerships to edge Rangpur ahead-sharing 88 runs with Tanbir Hyder, who scored 45, for the sixth wicket, and 56 runs with Alauddin Babu, who contributed 21, for the eighth wicket.
Ripon Mondol led Dhaka’s bowling attack by claiming 3-54, while Salauddin Shakil and Taibur Rahman picked up two wickets apiece.