Mushfiqur Rahim struck a century in the National Cricket League (NCL) ahead of his landmark 100th Test match, but his effort could not produce a result as Dhaka and Sylhet settled for a dull draw at the Sylhet Academy Ground. In another match of the day, Rangpur avoided defeat by forcing a draw against Mymensingh after being made to follow on.
Sylhet had resumed on 260 for seven in reply to Dhaka’s first-innings total of 310, with Mushfiqur unbeaten on 93. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter completed his hundred in the morning session, celebrating the milestone in trademark fashion.
Supported by Sahanur Rahman, who made 30, and Tofael Ahmed, who added 27, Mushfiqur went on to score 115 off 205 balls before being bowled by Taibur Rahman. His dismissal brought an end to Sylhet’s innings at 290.
Dhaka, batting again, declared on 222 for two, with Jisan Alam narrowly missing a century after scoring 94 off a sparkling innings featuring nine fours and four sixes. Ashiqur Rahman Shibli remained unbeaten on 59 from 133 balls, while Anisul Islam contributed 36 and Marshall Ayub stayed not out on 16.
Chasing a big target late in the day, Sylhet reached 13 without loss to secure a draw.
At the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, centuries from Mahfizul Islam Robin, Naim Sheikh and Abdul Majid powered Mymensingh to a commanding 555 in their first innings, but the match against Rangpur also ended in a draw.
Rangpur struggled badly in their first innings, collapsing to 127 all out after resuming the previous day on 18 for two. Only Al-Amin Babu resisted with an unbeaten 45. Arif Ahmed took three wickets for Mymensingh, while Abu Hayed Rony and Shahidul Islam picked up two each.
Following on, Rangpur produced a much-improved batting display in their second innings, reaching 112 for two when play ended. MIM Mosaddek was dismissed for 17 and Iqbal Hossain for 8, but Abdullah Al Mamun and Zahid Javed held firm to ensure the draw. Abdullah remained unbeaten on 69, while Zahid made 10 not out.
