Bogura: Opener Rony Talukdar made headlines as he scored a century for Dhaka Division against Barishal on Day 2 of the seventh and final round of the National Cricket League (NCL). His performance was instrumental in Dhaka taking a slim lead as the match progressed at Shaheed Chandu Stadium. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rony's innings, amassing 112 runs off 202 balls with 16 fours and a six, lifted Dhaka to a total of 303-8. This gave them a 14-run lead over Barishal, who were bowled out for 289 on Day 1, with Sohag Gazi top-scoring at 78. Rony's efforts stood out amidst the struggles of his teammates, as no other batsman could reach a half-century. Dhaka ended the day with Sumon Khan and Anamul Haque at the crease, unbeaten on 35 and 22 respectively. In the match between Khulna and Rangpur at Khulna Stadium, Anamul Haque Bijoy narrowly missed a century, falling short by just 10 runs. His 90-run knock, which included nine fours and four sixes, was crucial in helping Khulna reach 240-7. The firs t day's play was limited due to rain, allowing only 25 overs. Khulna's captain Mohammad Mithun remains close to a century, unbeaten at 89. Rangpur bowlers Mukidul Islam Mugdho, Ariful Haque, and Nobin Islam each claimed two wickets. Meanwhile, at Rajshahi Stadium, Dhaka Metro maintained a lead against Chattogram despite a strong comeback from the latter. Dhaka Metro, led by Aich Mollah's 57, was bowled out for 268, thanks to Ashraful Hasan's 4-61 for Chattogram. Chattogram, in their first innings, were all out for 160, conceding a 108-run lead. Dhaka Metro's Abu Haider Rony took 4-41 to reduce Chattogram to 173-6 at stumps, with Chattogram leading by 65 runs. In another match at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Sylhet captain Amite Hasan continued his strong form with another half-century. However, Rajshahi took an 84-run lead after Sylhet was bowled out for 212, in response to Rajshahi's first innings total of 226. Rajshahi ended the day at 70-3, with Nihad Uz Zaman's 4-61 playing a key role in their first i nnings advantage. Opener Pinak Ghosh contributed 58 for Sylhet, while Rajshahi's openers Habibur Rahman Sohan and SM Meherob shared a solid 62-run stand before losing three quick wickets.
