Salman Emon hit a half-century following his century in the previous round but his side Barishal Division was kept up bay by Barishal bowlers on Day 1 of the third round of National Cricket League (NCL) at Khulna Divisional Stadium on Saturday.
Salman scored a fighting 58 amid his colleagues' downfall as Barishal were bowled out for just 212 in its first innings. Rajshahi reached six for no loss at stumps.
Rajshahi bowlers put up a total team effort with Shafiqul Islam, Ali Mohammad Walid, Rahim Ahmed, Nihaduzzaman and Sunzamul Islam, all taking two wickets apiece.
But put into bat first, Barishal made a strong start with their openers Iftekhar Hossain Ifti and Zahiduzzaman Khan adding 62 runs for the opening stand. Ifti scored 40 while Zahiduzzaman made 29.
Nihaduzzaman Khan broke the partnership to give Rajshahi the opening and their bowlers were unstoppable from there on.
Salman resisted for a long time to pick up his century but he got hardly any support from the other end. But his fifty made sure that Barishal went past 200-run mark at least. "BSS
