Bogra: Opener Naim Sheikh and Abu Haider Rony struck two contrasting fifties as Central Zone thrashed East Zone by five wickets in their second match in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day format tournament today at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra. Asked to bat first, East Zone piled up a challenging 237-9 but Central Zone achieved the target with incredible ease, reaching 240-5 for the victory.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, opener Naim Sheikh provided the platform with a 98-ball 83, a knock studded by five fours and two sixes. Abu Haider Rony, however, gave the finishing touch with a whirlwind 42-ball 66 not out, laced with six fours and four sixes. Together, they added 74 runs for the fifth wicket to edge the side closer to victory. Naim, however, missed out on the century when Nayeem Hasan had him caught by Khaled Ahmed. Mahfijul Islam Robin was the other notable scorer with 29.
Earlier, most of the East Zone batters got the desired start but couldn’t convert it to big knocks, which denied them posting a healthy total. Opener Zakir Hasan was the top-scorer for the side with 45, while captain Yasir Ali Chowdhury made 37. Mominul Haque was the other notable scorer with 34.
Rakibul Hasan claimed 3-27 to be the standout bowler from Central Zone, while Taskin Ahmed and Ripon Mondol grabbed two wickets apiece.