RANGPUR: Rangpur Division closed in on their second victory in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) after leaving Rajshahi at a cornered situation at Rajshahi stadium today. At stumps of Day 3, Rajshahi were reduced to 62-6 while chasing 263 runs for a victory in the fourth round game. Rajshahi still need 201 with the rest of the four wickets to clinch an unlikely victory. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Ariful Haque, who scored a century in Rangpur's first innings, bagged three wickets for 10 runs to rip through Rajshahi's batting lineup. Resuming the day at 83-4, Rangpur were dismissed for 262. Skipper Akbar Ali led the side to a comfortable position, hitting 77 off 107 deliveries with a dozen boundaries. Tanbir Hayder contributed 40 runs, forming a crucial 77-run partnership with Akbar for the sixth wicket after Rangpur were reduced to a precarious 135-5. Ariful Haque, the centurion of the first innings, added 17 runs to the total. Earlier in the match, both sides managed identical scores of 189 before being all out in their first innings, setting the stage for a tense and competitive encounter.
