Naim Sheikh came within touching distance of a triple century but fell for 282, while Mahfijul Islam Robin struck an unbeaten 217 as batters dominated the second day of the fourth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) on Sunday.
Naim’s marathon innings powered Dhaka to 521 all out against Rajshahi at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, with captain Mahidul Islam Ankon contributing 165. Robin, meanwhile, guided Mymensingh to 465/7 declared against Chattogram at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.
Naim resumed the day on 171* after reaching his century on the opening day. He went on to register his maiden double century in first-class cricket before missing out on a triple hundred, caught at cover off Rahim Ahmed while advancing down the track.
The right-hander struck 21 fours and seven sixes in his 369-ball knock of 282, surpassing his previous first-class best of 180 in his 46th match.
At the other end, Dhaka skipper Ankon produced a commanding innings of 165 off 289 deliveries, hitting 14 fours and eight sixes. The pair’s fourth-wicket partnership of 363 runs off 534 balls was the highest for the fourth wicket in Bangladesh’s first-class cricket.
Wasi Siddiqui claimed four wickets for Rajshahi, but the hosts struggled in reply. Suman Khan struck three times to leave them reeling at 10 for three before Naim Ahmed and Sabbir Rahman added 80 runs.
Naim Ahmed made 30 off 55 balls, while Sabbir scored 54 off 44 deliveries, including eight fours and a six. Rajshahi then lost three more wickets for 12 runs to close the day at 103/6, still trailing Dhaka by 418 runs.
Robin made an immediate impact on his return to Mymensingh after featuring for the BCB XI in a practice match against West Indies. After ending the opening day unbeaten on 156, the 22-year-old went on to score 217* off 351 balls, hitting 20 fours and two sixes.
His double century helped Mymensingh declare at 465/7. Shuvagata Hom provided late support with 71 off 101 balls, including eight fours. Hasan Murad and Mahmudul Hasan Joy took three wickets apiece for Chattogram.
Chattogram reached 134/2 by stumps. Joy made 76 off 119 balls, hitting seven fours and a six, while Sadikur Rahman scored 42 off 99 deliveries with five fours. The pair put on 109 for the opening wicket before Sadikur departed, followed by Joy 25 runs later.
