The new season of the National Cricket League (NCL) got underway today, with batters making a strong statement across venues. Four players reached three figures on the opening day — Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Ariful Islam, Yasir Ali Chowdhury Rabbi and Marshall Ayub all struck centuries.
Mymensingh made their debut in this year’s NCL and began their campaign against hosts Sylhet at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. At stumps on day one, Mymensingh reached 268 for 7, with Ariful leading the way. The young batter scored a fine 101 before being caught by Saikat Ali off the bowling of Asadullah Al Galib. Abdul Majid contributed 65, while Tahjibul Islam made 43. Abu Hider Rony (16*) and Shahidul Islam (10*) remained unbeaten at the close.
At the Sylhet Academy Ground, Dhaka were bowled out for 221 against Rangpur. Marshall Ayub was the standout performer with a composed 105, while Zisan Alam added 71. Rangpur replied with 65 for 2 at the end of play, with Abdullah Al Mamun on 33 and Nabin Islam on 21.
In Khulna, the hosts finished the first day on 312 for 9 against Barishal at the Khulna Divisional Stadium. Sheikh Jibon will resume on 72 not out, while Ziaur Rahman scored 69. Imranuzzaman made 43 and Soumya Sarkar added 37.
The highest total of the day came in Chattogram’s clash with Rajshahi at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. Batting first, the visitors posted 401 before being bowled out. Yasir Ali scored 129, Mahmudul Hasan Joy made 127 and Irfan Sukkur chipped in with 72. In reply, Rajshahi had a disastrous start, finishing on 1 for 2 at stumps.
