Rangpur, Rajshahi and Khulna win second round of NCL

|| CF DESK ||

Naim Sheikh’s century in vain as Dhaka suffered a 65-run defeat against Rangpur in the second round of the 25th National Cricket League (NCL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS), Dhaka.

In reply to the target of 410 runs, Naim smashed 120 runs off 124 which featured 13 boundaries and 4 sixes, but it wasn’t enough for the side to get on the winning side.

Despite a good start, Rangpur suffered a collapse in the middle and they could never come back in the match as they managed to score 345 runs.

Skipper Shadman Islam registered a half-century (54 off 76) to add a 139-run opening partnership with Naim. Zahiduzzaman Khan and Abu Haider Rony scored 39 and 32 runs respectively.

Nobin Islam scored an unbeaten 145 runs for Rangpur to steer Rangpur to 464 runs.

Earlier, after being invited to bat Rangpur were skittled down to 119 runs in the first innings with Shohidul Islam picking up a four-fer.

On the contrary, Dhaka was pressured by Abdul Gaffar Saqlain as he returned a figure of four wickets conceding 40 runs in his 16 overs as they posted 173.

Barishal vs Rajshahi

Rajshahi won the close combat by nine runs against Barishal as they defended a low total of 169 runs at Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Stadium (SKS), Rajshahi.

Taijul Islam and Nahid Rana shared seven wickets together to restrict Barishal to 159 runs. Iftakhar Hossain Ifti top-scored with 60 runs while Taijul scalped four wickets while Rana bagged three for Rajshahi.

Earlier, half-centuries from Sabbir Rahman (57) and SM Meherob (65) helped Rajshahi score 209 runs and Tanvir Islam was the pick up the fifer.

In reply, Barishal scored 233 taking a lead of 34 runs with a fifty from Moin Khan.

Chattogram vs Khulna

Khulna emerged victorious against Chattogram by 1 wicket in another close encounter of NCL at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet.

Chasing a mediocre 132 runs, Khulna had to wait for their last batsmen to chase down the target.

Hasan Murad posed a threat to Khulna in their chase as he returned six wickets conceding 21 runs in his nine overs. However, Afif Hossain's cautious innings of 34 runs led them to the victory. 

Earlier, Shamim Patwary and Meshu helped Chattogram to post 242 after opting to bat first. In reply, Anamul Haque Bijoy (110) and Ziaur Rahman (84) powered Khulna to set 285 runs on the board.