In the ongoing National Cricket League, Chittagong Division ended the first day at 240 for 8, thanks to an impressive 91-run innings from Shah Paran. Batting first after losing the toss against Khulna Division at the Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium, Chittagong lost their first four wickets for just 99 runs.
However, Shah Paran’s aggressive 91 off 100 balls, including 10 fours and 4 sixes, helped steady the innings. The right-handed batsman was bowled by leg-spinner Yasin Muntasir just 9 runs short of a century. Following his departure, a 63-run partnership between Sajjadul Ripon (56 off 106 balls) and Irfan Shukkur (62 off 72 balls), along with a 52-run contribution from Nayeem Hasan, took Chittagong past the 300-run mark. Naim also contributed a resilient 45-run innings at the end of the day. Right-arm pacer Safar Ali took 4 wickets for Khulna.
At Khulna Division Stadium, Rajshahi Division ended the first day trailing Barishal Division by 206 runs. Barishal, batting first after losing the toss, were dismissed for 212, courtesy of excellent bowling by spinners Nihaduzzaman and Sanjamul Islam, supported by pacers Shafiqul Islam and Ali Walid. Salman Hossain top-scored with 58, while opener Iftikhar Ifti made 40 off 121 balls. In reply, Rajshahi reached 6 without loss, setting up a challenging second day.
At Cox’s Bazar International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet Division, in a rain-affected day, finished at 172 for 7 in 48.1 overs against Rangpur Division. Early on, pacers Robiul Haque and Abdullah Al Mamun struck regularly, reducing Sylhet to 37 for 4. From there, Amit Hasan played a resilient 91-run innings, holding the innings together, while Rezwar Rahman Raja remained unbeaten on 28 off 50 balls.
Rain also interrupted play at Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, where Mymensingh faced Dhaka in a shortened 32-over contest. After winning the toss and electing to bat, Mymensingh lost Mahfizul Robin and Aich Molla early for 20 runs, but Naem Sheikh’s unbeaten 55 guided the team to 100 for 2 at the close of the day, keeping them in a solid position despite the weather disruptions.
