NCL Tier-1: Khulna on top as Razzak keeps roaring
Image : Collected
||CF Correspondent ||
Seasoned campaigner Abdur Razzak kept Khulna Division on top despite the batsmen’s mediocre performance as he yet again spun Rangpur in spin web at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Sunday.
Razzak who just a day ago, touched the milestone of 600 wickets in first class cricket as the first Bangladeshi bowler, took 3-12 as Rangpur was reduced to 67-4 in their second innings on day two of the Tier-1’s fourth round game. This gave them a 58 runs lead so far in the match with six wickets remaining.
By taking three wickets in second innings, Razzak had already taken his match tally to 10 wickets as he took 7-69 in the first innings.
His sterling performance came amid the batsmen’s shaky performance. Resuming the day on 24-2, Khulna were eight down when the scoreboard read just 80.
Youngster Mahedi Hasan, who is basically a bowler, rescued the side from the ultimate shamble, hitting 1119 off 150 after coming to bat at No.8 position. He struck 15 fours and one six.
Mahedi’s knock indeed gave Khulna a slender 8 runs lead in first innings, creating an opportunity for Rangpu to take the baton of the match yet again. But Razzak kept spinning their innings. Rangpur was shot out for 224 in its first innings after Razzal seven-for.
In another Tier-1 game at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka Division took 54 runs lead with six wickets hands in their first innings against Rajshahi Division.
After bowling out Rajshahi for 230, Khulna reached 284-4 on day in their fourth-round game.
Dhaka however appeared to be in pressurized situation after being reduced to 104-4. Nonetheless, Taibur Rahman and Shuvagata Hom shared 180-run for an undefeated fifth wickets stand to establish the side’s command.
Taibur was batting on 93 while Shuvagata was on 92 before the bails were drawn for day two.
