Chattogram took firm control of their National Cricket League four-day match by the end of the second day, securing a commanding 338-run lead. Despite half-centuries from both Sabbirs, Rajshahi were bowled out for 196 before Chattogram reached 133 for 4 at stumps. Spinner Hasan Murad was the chief destroyer for Chattogram, taking six wickets for just 39 runs.
In the day’s other fixture, Khulna’s Afif Hossain Dhruvo produced a stunning performance, taking six wickets for 31 runs including a hat-trick to leave Barishal reeling. Forced to follow on, Barishal returned to bat still 68 runs behind.
Chattogram take strong position
After posting 401 in their first innings, Chattogram batted confidently again in their second. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who had scored 127 earlier, made another half-century. The openers provided a solid start with 40 runs before wickets began to fall regularly. Mominul Haque departed with the score on 50, Joy on 79, and Shahadat Hossain Dipu on 103.
For Rajshahi, Shafiqul Islam took three wickets for 35 runs. Sadikur was dismissed for 16, Mominul went for a duck, and Dipu made 17 off 31 balls. Joy’s fifty came from 51 deliveries with five fours and two sixes. Yasir Ali Chowdhury, who struck a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 26 from 40 balls, alongside Irfan Sukkur on 18 from 15.
Earlier, Rajshahi’s batters, who had already lost two wickets the previous evening, continued to struggle against tight bowling. Sabbir Hossain top-scored with 57, while Sabbir Rahman Rumman made 54 off 75 balls. Taijul Islam added 41 from 54 deliveries lower down the order. Mahmudul Hasan Joy chipped in with two wickets in two overs.
Afif’s hat-trick puts Khulna ahead
Khulna had resumed on 312 for 9 and managed to add only one more run on the second morning. Afif Hossain Dhruvo was outstanding with the ball, taking six wickets for 31 runs, including a hat-trick, to bundle out Barishal for just 126 in their first innings. Opener Zahiduzzaman Khan top-scored with 57, while Moin Khan made 26.
Following on, Barishal reached 119 for 4 in their second innings. Opener Iftakhar Hossain Ifty scored 40 and Fazle Rabbi added 32. For Khulna, Nahidul Islam took two wickets for 32, while Safar Ali and Yasin Muntasir claimed one apiece.
Naeem’s century puts Rangpur ahead
At the Sylhet Academy Ground on Sunday, Rangpur Division’s Naeem remained unbeaten on 111 off 199 balls, striking 16 fours against Dhaka Division. Already the record holder for the most centuries by a Bangladeshi in first-class cricket, Naeem further enriched that tally with his 34th hundred in 291 innings.
He reached his century off 199 balls and, building partnerships with the tail-enders, guided Rangpur past the 300-run mark. Thanks to his innings, Rangpur ended the second day on 308 for 8, leading by 87 runs.
Rony’s maiden ton, Rakibul’s five-for
Abu Haider Rony recorded his maiden first-class century as Mymensingh put up a strong total of 401. Starting the day on 268 for 7, Rony, who resumed on 16, reached his fifty in just 55 balls. He then built crucial partnerships with Shahidul and Rakibul before completing his long-awaited century off 103 deliveries.
For Sylhet, pacer Khaled Ahmed claimed three wickets.
In reply, Sylhet made a solid start through openers Saikat Ali and Zakir Hasan, who added 73 runs for the first wicket. Zakir fell after scoring 38 off seven boundaries, while Saikat retired hurt soon after reaching his fifty off 94 balls.
