||CF Correspondent ||

Opener Shadman Islam’s epic 178-run knock was well complemented by the bowlers as Dhaka Metro sensed a victory against Chattogram Division just after the second day of their fourth round game in National Cricket League (NCL) Tier-2 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

In another game in this Tier, Sylhet Division also was on course of a victory after keeping Barishal Division in cornered position.

Resuming the day on 357-4, Dhaka Metro were bowled out for 403 as Shadman who was on 162, finally missed out his double ton to be out for 178. Shamdan who is set to play Bangladesh’s two-match Test series in India, struck 23 fours and two sixes.

He was ably supported by Al-Amin Hossain’s 83 runs knock and Shamsur Rahman’s 50.

However the bowlers then rattled Chattogram in a gem of bowling effort to skittle them out for 91 with opener Sadikur Rahman making highest 22.

Pace bowler Sharifullah was the wrecker-in-chief with 4-30 while fast bowler Taskin Ahmed ended with 3-34.

With 312-run lead in the first innings, Metro decided to impose follow-on on Chattogram and the decision proved to be preciously right. Metro bowler yet again stood tall to reduce Chattogram 96-3 in their second innings. Pinak Ghosh was batting on 55 with Tasamul Haque on 14 and much will depend on them to avoid an innings defeat.

In another Tier-2 game between Barishal and Sylhet at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium Ground-2, the former was trailing by 148 runs, givin Sylhet the edge.

After wrapping up Barishal’s first innings for 162, Sylhet took a handy 160 runs lead, by making 322 before being all out.