A pulsating 647-run clash in Rajshahi ended in dramatic fashion as Central Zone successfully chased 323 to beat North Zone by two wickets with four balls to spare in Match 6 of the BCL One-Day tournament at Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium.
Jishan Alam’s commanding century laid the platform for victory, while captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat delivered a late, unbeaten cameo to steer his team home. Jishan was named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings.
Batting first, North Zone suffered an early setback as Najmul Hossain Shanto fell for 4 with just nine runs on the board, and Liton Kumar Das was unable to get going.
The innings was stabilised by a 135-run third-wicket stand between Tanzid Tamim and Towhid Hridoy. Tamim narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 92 from 92 balls with nine fours and four sixes. Akbar Ali contributed 22 off 25 before Sabbir Rahman joined Hridoy at the crease.
Hridoy brought up his century in style, finishing on 102 from 113 balls with eight fours. Sabbir accelerated the scoring with a fluent 73 off 51 deliveries, hitting three fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 143.14.
Abu Hider Rony was the pick of the Central Zone bowlers, claiming four wickets for 59 runs, supported by Ripon Mondol’s two wickets and Taskin Ahmed’s one.
Chasing 323, Central Zone were anchored by opener Jishan Alam, though wickets fell at the other end. Naim Sheikh and Saif Hassan struggled, while Mahfijul Islam Robin contributed 54 from 81 balls. Irfan Shukkur fell for a golden duck, and Mahidul Islam Ankon added 39.
After the captain’s dismissal, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat took control in the final overs. Jishan had already compiled a brilliant 127 off 93 balls, including 16 fours and five sixes.
With the target still looming, Mosaddek delivered a sensational 54 not out from just 26 balls, striking four fours and four sixes to seal a thrilling victory in 49.2 overs.
For North Zone, Rishad Hossain took three wickets, while Shariful Islam and SM Meherob grabbed two each.
