||CF Correspondent  ||

Imrul Kayes hogged the limelight in the opening round of 21st National Cricket League (NCL) with scintillating double century that reinforced his case to make a comeback in the national team.

Kayes plundered 202 not out before the National Cricket League’s (NCL) Tier-1 game between Khulna Division and Rangpur Division ended in a draw at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Sunday.

Thanks to Kayes’s unbeaten 319 ball-202, studded by 19 fours and six sixes, Khulna Division declared the first innings on 454-9 on day four. Rangpur was 33-1 in the nine overs that was left for the final and fourth day after Khulna declared their innings. 

Kayes started the day with 29 and grew strength to strength on his comeback match. He was away from the cricket due to be with his ailing son who was suffering from dengue fever and other complications.

Rangpur captain Nasir Hossain used nine bowlers to prevent Kayes from scoring with free flowing mood but all effort against a determined Kayes went in vain.

After the first day was washed out due to persistent rain, Rangpur, earlier batting first, piled up 227 before being all out in its first innings.

The Tier-1 game between Dhaka Division and Rajshahi Division also ended in a draw at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium in Fatullah.

Resuming the day on 173-6, Dhaka was bowled out for 254 in their second innings to set a 298-run target to win for Rajshahi Division.

Taibur Rahman was the highest scorer for Dhaka with 88 while Raqibul Hasan made 65. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed 5-105 for Rajshahi and well supported by Farhad Reza’s 3-41.