Khulna Division close to National Cricket League title

League leader Khulna Division came close to clinch the Tier-1 title of National Cricket League (NCL) as they are now in the driving seat against their main contenders Dhaka Division on the 3rd day of the 6th and final round of the first class league at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Monday.
An outright victory over Dhaka in the ongoing final round assured their league crown. They have a good chance to be the champions in case of a draw as they are dominating the Tier -1 points table by a good margin.  
Earlier, Sylhet Division emerged Tier-2 champions to earn promotion in the Tier-1 of the National Cricket League (NCL) with a convincing nine-wicket victory over Chattogram Division on the very 2nd day of the four-day affairs at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura on Sunday. The match featured 13 wickets haul by 18-year-old rookie left arm pace bowler Ruyel Miah
In day's Tier-1 League, replying to Dhaka Division's first innings total 279 runs, league leader Khulna Division resumed the first innings with overnight total 252 for 3 and finally piled up 379 runs for all in 128 overs to take just 100-run lead in the first innings.
Former national cricketer Tushar Imran, pairing with Nurul Hasan, contributed 143 runs in the 4th wicket stand to carry the team total to 274 runs from 131.
Captain Nurul Hasan, who was on batting with 56 runs, hammered a century scoring an unbeaten 150 off 227 balls featuring 13 fours and seven sixes. Another overnight batsman Tushar Imran (75) contributed 82 runs off 153 deliveries with 10 hits to the fence while Nahidul Islam added 49-ball 16 runs.
Shuvagata Hom, who grabbed two wickets for 25 runs on day-2, finally picked up five wickets for 46 runs and Nazmul Islam took two for 114 runs.
In reply, Dhaka Division opened the 2nd innings and scored 102 runs for 5 in 44 overs to take an overall two runs lead with two down Raqibul Hasan scoring not out 39 and Shuvagata Hom 42 runs.
Ziaur Rahman grabbed three wickets conceding 23 runs.      -UNB