Sylhet, Dhaka, and Chattogram Dominate in National Cricket League

Sylhet Division maintained their dominance in the National Cricket League (NCL) with a resounding innings and 139-run victory over Dhaka Metropolis. The triumph marked Sylhet's fourth innings victory in first-class cricket and their third this season.

Dhaka Metropolis's batting woes began in the first innings, as they were dismissed for a paltry 130 runs. Nasum Ahmed, fresh from his exploits in the ODI series against Afghanistan, led the bowling attack with four wickets. Rejaur Rahman Raja and Khaled Ahmed chipped in with three wickets each.

Amite Hasan's century proved pivotal for Sylhet, as he guided them to a commanding 376 runs. Hasan's patient knock of 101, which included 13 boundaries, spanned four-and-a-half hours.

Dhaka's second innings proved no better, as they were bundled out for 107 runs in just 33.4 overs. Khaled Ahmed was the wrecker-in-chief, claiming five wickets, while Raja picked up three.

Meanwhile, Dhaka Division secured their first win of the season, defeating Khulna Division by nine wickets at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. The match marked the farewell red-ball appearance of Imrul Kayes, who recently announced his retirement from Tests and first-class cricket.

Khulna failed to provide Kayes with a fitting send-off, as they were bowled out for 172 on the opening day. Fast bowler Sumon Khan starred with six wickets, while Salauddin Sakil took two.

Dhaka fell 12 runs short of Khulna's total, getting bowled out for 160. Al-Amin Hossain, Masum Khan, and Aridul Islam Akash shared nine wickets among them.

Khulna's second innings collapse saw them dismissed for a mere 91 runs, their lowest NCL total against Dhaka. Anamul Haque claimed four wickets, while Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby and Sumon took three each. Rony Talukdar and Ariful Islam guided Dhaka to a comfortable victory, chasing down the target of 104 runs in just 17.2 overs.

Chattogram Division continued their winning streak, defeating Rajshahi Division by nine wickets. Fahad Hossian and Ahmed Sharif starred with the ball, as Rajshahi's struggles continued.

Rajshahi were bowled out for 112 runs in their first innings, with Hossian taking five wickets and Ashraful Hasan and Ifran Hossain claiming two each.

Chattogram responded with 252 runs, led by Shamim Hossain's unbeaten 84. Wasi Siddiquee and Sabbir Hossain took three wickets apiece for Rajshahi.

Sabbir's half-century in the second innings helped Rajshahi improve their score, but they were eventually dismissed for 220. Sharif claimed five wickets, while Nayeem Hasan took three. Sadikur Rahman and Sajjadul Haque guided Chattogram to victory, reaching 83 runs on the third day.

Tags: #NationalCricketLeague, #SylhetDivision, #DhakaMetropolis, #DhakaDivision, #KhulnaDivision