Sylhet: Sylhet and Khulna Divisions moved closer to securing wins in their respective matches during the sixth round of the National Cricket League (NCL), held at various venues across the country. Meanwhile, the encounter between Dhaka Metro and Rangpur Division seemed likely to conclude in a draw.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Sylhet Division, playing against Barishal Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, were bolstered by an impressive all-round display from Tofael Ahmed. Tofael scored a crucial 64 runs, enabling his team to post 342 runs and secure a 38-run first-innings lead. He then took three wickets for 17 runs, helping to dismiss Barishal for 142 in their second innings. This left Sylhet needing just 105 runs to win the match. Barishal had earlier managed 304 runs in their first innings. Tofael’s batting, alongside Rejaur Rahman Raja’s 35, and his effective bowling, supported by Syed Khaled Ahmed’s 4-18, put Sylhet in a commanding position.
In another match, at the Sylhe
t Academy Ground, Khulna Division reduced Chattogram to 118-7 while defending a target of 204. Fast bowler Al-Amin Hossain claimed four wickets for 55 runs, leaving Chattogram needing 86 more runs with only three wickets in hand to win the game. Earlier, Khulna’s second innings ended at 219, propelled by Anamul Haque Bijoy’s 75 and Sheikh Parvez Jibon’s 52. Chattogram’s Enamul Haque Ashik and Ashraful Hasan were instrumental in restricting Khulna with their effective bowling performances.
Meanwhile, the match between Dhaka Metro and Rangpur Division at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground seemed destined for a draw. Rangpur reached 253-9, thwarting Metro’s hopes for a victory. Naeem Islam’s resilient 88-run innings was crucial, with Tanbir Hyder adding an unbeaten 39. Dhaka Metro had earlier amassed 475 in their first innings, with Naim Sheikh top-scoring with 180. Metro’s bowlers Mehedi Hasan and Anisul Islam each claimed three wickets in an attempt to secure a win.