The fifth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) ended with a dramatic final day, as Chattogram survived a late collapse to beat Sylhet by one wicket, Khulna strengthened their position at the top with an eight-wicket victory over Mymensingh, and Rangpur claimed their first win of the season against Rajshahi on Tuesday.
There was also heartbreak for two batters in the drawn match between Dhaka and Barishal. Ashikur Rahman Shibli fell one run short of a century, while Barishal wicketkeeper Mohammad Abdullah missed the milestone by six runs.
Chattogram survived a late scare
Chattogram appeared to be cruising towards their target of 227 after resuming the final day on 126/1, needing 101 more runs with nine wickets in hand. But Sylhet’s spinners turned the contest around, taking six wickets for just 23 runs to leave the visitors on the brink of defeat.
Sadikur Rahman kept Chattogram in the contest with a composed innings, reaching his third century of the competition and sixth in first-class cricket. The left-handed opener made exactly 100 before Nasum Ahmed dismissed him, leaving Chattogram needing 17 runs with one wicket remaining.
Ashraful Hasan and Sanjit Majumder held their nerve in the final partnership to take Chattogram home at 229/9 in 71 overs. Ashraful contributed an unbeaten 15, while Sanjit remained not out on four.
Nasum finished with four wickets, following his five-wicket haul in the first innings. Shahanoor Rahman took three.
The one-wicket victory was Chattogram’s second of the campaign. They moved to 24 points, while Sylhet remained on 20.
Khulna strengthen title position
Khulna completed an eight-wicket win over Mymensingh at the Khulna Divisional Stadium to tighten their grip on the top spot.
Mymensingh resumed on 315/9 in their second innings but added only four runs before being bowled out for 319. That left Khulna with a target of 140, which they reached in 38.3 overs.
Anamul Haque led the chase with an unbeaten 80, while Azizul Hakim Tamim contributed 37. Khulna finished on 140/2.
The victory took Khulna to 32 points from five matches, having won three and drawn two. Mymensingh, who had drawn their first four matches, suffered their first defeat and remained seventh with 16 points.
Rangpur finally get off the mark
Defending champions Rangpur secured their first victory of the campaign, beating Rajshahi by six wickets in Bogura.
Rajshahi resumed on 110/3 but lost their remaining seven wickets for 74 runs, folding for 184. That set Rangpur a target of 160.
Mim Mosaddek anchored the chase with 61 from 89 balls, extending his record of scoring at least one half-century in each of the five rounds. Rishad Hossain finished the job with an unbeaten 30 from 19 balls, including three sixes, as Rangpur reached 160 for four in 28.5 overs.
Rangpur moved to 20 points, while Rajshahi remained on 16.
Shibli and Abdullah fall short
The match between Dhaka and Barishal ended in a draw after rain and a wet outfield prevented play on the first two days.
Abdullah resumed on 62 not out and made 94 from 143 balls before falling six runs short of his maiden first-class century. Barishal were eventually dismissed for 315.
Dhaka declared on 251/5, with Shibli making 99 from 162 balls. He struck eight fours and two sixes before getting caught at cover just one run short of a century.
Tanvir Islam took three wickets for Barishal. Dhaka finished the round third with 24 points, while Barishal remained bottom with eight.
