Saif Hasan and Mohammad Naim produced a match-defining partnership at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday as Central Zone secured the 12th Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) One-Day title with a five-wicket victory over North Zone.
Chasing 239 on a Mirpur surface where totals can quickly become challenging, Central rode on a commanding 164-run stand for the second wicket between Saif and Naim to reach the target in just 38 overs. The win saw Central reclaim the crown for the first time since the 2021–22 season, while denying Najmul Hossain Shanto’s North Zone a third successive title.
Central’s pursuit began with an early setback when Jishan Alam was caught behind off Nahid Rana in the sixth over. From there, Saif and Naim gradually seized control, blending composure with calculated aggression.
Naim was assured throughout his 78 off 87 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. Saif played the more expansive role, racing to 86 from 78 deliveries with seven boundaries and three sixes. A trademark no-look flick over square leg off Abdul Gaffar Saqlain brought the crowd to life.
Saif looked set for what would have been his 11th List A century but fell 13 runs short, top-edging Shoriful Islam as Central closed in on victory. Brief late wickets — including captain Mahidul Islam Ankon and Irfan Shukkur — caused minor jitters, but the result was sealed soon after, fittingly confirmed by a wide from Tanzid Hasan.
Mahfizul Islam Robin remained composed to ensure there were no further alarms as Central completed a comfortable chase.
Earlier, North Zone were bowled out for 238 in 49.3 overs after being asked to bat first. Towhid Hridoy anchored the innings superbly with 96 off 98 balls, striking eight fours and a six. After a cautious start — reaching his half-century in 69 deliveries — he accelerated but was denied a deserved century when trapped lbw by Ripon Mondol with just three balls remaining.
North struggled for sustained support from the top order. Habibur Rahman Sohan fell for 5, while Tanzid Tamim made 23. Shanto contributed 35 in a 52-run stand with Hridoy for the third wicket. SM Meherob Hossain added 28, and Sabbir Rahman made 24, but none could convert promising starts into match-defining scores. Rishad Hossain chipped in with 16 late on.
Ripon Mondol was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 41. Taskin Ahmed and Rakibul Hasan picked up two wickets apiece to keep North under constant pressure.
