The title race in the 27th National Cricket League will stretch into the final round after another eventful set of fixtures left the top six teams separated by fine margins. Sylhet Division ended the sixth round on Wednesday as new leaders, climbing to the top of the table with 26 points following a commanding 10-wicket win over Rajshahi Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Rajshahi’s Pritom Kumar played one of the innings of the season with a superb 143, but found little support around him as the side were bowled out for 336 in 96.4 overs on the final day. That left Sylhet chasing only 37, a target they knocked off briskly in 9.2 overs to clinch their second victory of the campaign.
Sylhet had resumed the morning on 146 for 3 and trailing by 153 runs, but their second innings folded relatively quickly despite Pritom converting his overnight 29 into a gritty century. SM Meherob, also well-placed on 55, could not add to his tally. Abu Jayed Chowdhury and Nabil Samad made vital breakthroughs, each finishing with three wickets to close out the innings.
At the Sylhet Academy Ground, newcomers Mymensingh Division continued their impressive debut season with a 63-run win over Barishal Division. The result lifted them to second place on 24 points. Barishal, chasing 380, had resumed on 108 for 4 but were eventually dismissed for 316 despite spirited efforts from Shohag Gazi, who struck a fighting 102, and Zahiduzzaman, who contributed a fluent 80. Pacers Abu Hider and Asadullah Galib shared six wickets to seal Mymensingh’s second victory.
The match in Khulna threatened to reshape the table entirely, producing late drama before ending in a draw due to bad light. Chasing 165 for victory, Dhaka Division looked well placed but Khulna kept striking at crucial intervals, reducing the visitors to 123 for 6 when play was halted. A win would have sent Khulna to the summit.
Earlier in the day, Khulna resumed their second innings on 149 for 5 and were bowled out for 280. Imranuzzaman anchored the innings with a marathon 311-ball 66, while Soumya Sarkar added 55.
With so much still to play for and only one round left, the NCL title race is set for a gripping finish.
