South Zone began their BCL One-Day campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Central Zone, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Afif Hossain and Mohammad Mithun. Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s side chased down a target of 265 with 4.3 overs to spare.
After winning the toss in Rajshahi, South Zone captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to field first. Central Zone opened with Saif Hassan and Naim Sheikh. The first wicket fell at 34, with Saif dismissed for 19 off 35 balls.
Naim and Mahfizul Islam Robin rebuilt the innings with a 93-run second-wicket stand, both scoring half-centuries. Naeem made 69 from 76 balls, hitting seven fours and two sixes, while Robin contributed 63 from 76 balls. Central Zone captain Mahidul Islam Ankon then took charge of the innings.
In the closing stages, Ankon received support from Irfan Shukur, despite minimal contributions from Ariful Islam and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat. Ankon reached a half-century before being run out for 67 from 73 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes, while Irfan Shukkur added 25 from 19 balls.
Central Zone finished their 50 overs at 264 for seven. For South Zone, Tanvir Islam and Soumya Sarkar claimed two wickets each.Miraz conceded 35 runs in five overs, and Mustafizur Rahman bowled 10 overs, including three maidens, going wicketless for 44 runs.
Chasing 265, South Zone lost Soumya Sarkar early. Anisul Islam (43) and Zawad Abrar (40) steadied the innings before Afif Hossain and Mohammad Mithun took full control.
After the third wicket fell at 108, Afif and Mithun added a 159-run partnership, sealing the match. Afif reached his century in style, scoring 100 off 86 balls with eight fours and five sixes. Mithun remained unbeaten on 72 from 65 balls, hitting seven fours and three sixes.
