Akbar Ali’s scintillating century powered North Zone to a commanding 335 in their opening match of the BCL one-day edition against East Zone at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra on Monday.
Two days before the tournament began, North Zone coach Hannan Sarkar had said that a 300-run innings was very much possible at the venue. On the very first day, that prediction proved spot on as North Zone batted the full 50 overs to post a daunting total.
Despite featuring a star-studded lineup with national team regulars such as Tanzid Hasan Tamim, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das, Towhid Hridoy, Rishad Hossain, Shariful Islam and Nahid Rana, it was Akbar who stole the show.
North Zone were in a spot of bother at 118 for 4 when Akbar walked in. Tanzid had earlier struck a 44-ball 54, sharing an 82-run stand with Shanto. However, Liton and Hridoy failed to convert their starts, leaving the innings under pressure.
Akbar responded with authority. He forged a vital 120-run partnership with Shanto, who made 68, and anchored the innings almost till the end to reach his hundred. The right-hander smashed 111 off 87 balls, clearing the ropes six times and striking eight fours before being dismissed by Mohammad Saifuddin.
Saifuddin had an expensive outing, conceding 98 runs in his 10 overs while claiming two wickets.
After Akbar’s departure, Abdul Gaffar Saklain and Shariful applied the finishing touches with a late burst to lift North Zone to 335. Khaled Ahmed was the most successful bowler for East Zone, taking four wickets.
