Barishal built a commanding position in the National Cricket League on Monday, extending their lead to 237 runs against Sylhet after left arm seamer Ruyel Mia claimed another five wicket haul to underline his remarkable run of form.
Sylhet resumed the third day on 214 for five in reply to Barishal’s 312, but added only 73 more. Zakir Hasan, unbeaten on 130 overnight, failed to add to his score, and Ruyel cut through the rest of the order to finish with five for 84. It was his seventh five wicket haul in first class cricket and his third in consecutive innings, having taken five in each innings for Mymensingh in Sylhet earlier this season.
Sylhet’s resistance came mainly from Tofayel Ahmed, who made 46, and Sahanur Rahman, who added 38. Barishal began their second innings with a stumble, losing Moinul Islam early before Fazle Rabbi was bowled by Abu Jayed for 38. Iftikhar Hossain Ifti and Hafizur Rahman then steadied the innings with an 84 run stand, though Hafizur fell for 43. Shamsur Rahman, playing his final first class match, departed for 17 and left the field in tears. Barishal closed on 212 for four, with Ifti unbeaten on 93 and Zahiduzzaman on 29.
In the day’s other match, Rajshahi moved within one wicket of victory over Mymensingh. Rajshahi, who made 219 in the first innings, bowled Mymensingh out for 137 then reached 210 for six in their second innings, starting the third day with a lead of 292. They pushed on to 345, thanks to 64 from Shakir Hossain Shubhra and 57 from Rahim Ahmed.
Set 428 to win, Mymensingh reached 227 for nine, with Naim Sheikh contributing 50 and Abu Haider Rony producing the innings of the chase, a counterattacking 97 from 89 balls. Rajshahi’s response with the ball was led by Sunzamul Islam, who took four for 88, while Nihaduzzaman claimed three. The final wicket stands between them and a deserved victory.
