In the opening match of the National Cricket League, Chattogram Division defeated Rajshahi Division by 112 runs at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on the fourth day of the first round. SM Meherab Hasan, who scored a half-century, returned early in the morning session, while Prithom Kumar batted cautiously and looked set for a century. However, the right-handed wicketkeeper-batter fell short of three figures.
Later, Shakher Hossain Shuvro reached a half-century, but Rajshahi Division could not chase down the target. Notable contributions from Yasir Ali Rabbi, Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joyra helped Chattogram secure the victory.
Resuming at 219 for 4 on the fourth day, Meherab and Prithom added a century partnership for the fifth wicket. Their stand was cut short as Meherab was dismissed in the fifth over of the morning session.
Meherab scored 60 runs off 74 balls before being caught by Sadiqur Rahman Sadiq off Naeem Hasan’s delivery. Prithom then tried to build a partnership with Shakher, and they added 33 runs together. Prithom was moving towards a century but was dismissed leg before wicket for 83 off 143 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes.
Shakher, batting with Taijul Islam, put together a 57-run partnership to advance Rajshahi’s innings. Taijul scored 30 runs off 30 balls with six boundaries before being dismissed by Mahmudul Joyra. Shakher reached his half-century but was soon dismissed for 52 off 96 balls by Hasan Murad.
In the final overs, Sujan Howlader added 15 runs off 59 balls, slightly reducing the margin of defeat. Chasing 483, Rajshahi were bowled out for 370. Murad took three wickets for Chattogram, while Ahmed Sharif and Naeem Hasan claimed two each.
Yasir, who scored 129 in the first innings, added 92 in the second innings, earning him the Player of the Match award. Mahmudul Joyra also batted well ahead of the Ireland series, scoring 127 in the first innings and 51 in the second. Former Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque struggled in both innings, scoring 13 and a duck. Taijul picked up six wickets across both innings, while Naeem took three.
