Day 2 of the final round of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) saw Sylhet Division stay on course for their second straight title, thanks to a brilliant century from captain Zakir Hasan.
Elsewhere, Anisul Islam narrowly missed a double century but still helped Dhaka Division maintain a commanding position, aiming for their first win of the season.
Among the bowlers, Sunzamul Islam and Sofor Ali stood out, both claiming five-wicket hauls to lead their sides.
Sylhet vs BarishalSkipper Zakir Hasan led from the front as Sylhet Division remained on track to take control against Barishal Division at Rajshahi Divisional Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Zakir, having opened the innings, was batting on 130 at stumps on Day 2, steering Sylhet to 214-5 in reply to Barishal's first-innings total of 312 all out. A victory in this match will secure Sylhet's second consecutive NCL title.
However, Sylhet's path to dominance wasn't without a challenge. They suffered a top-order collapse, slumping to 47-4 before Zakir found able support from Ashraful Hasan Rihad. The pair steadied the innings, putting on 113 runs for the fifth wicket, effectively nullifying Barishal's advantage.
Iftekhar Hossain Ifti eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Rihad for 41. Zakir, though, continued his solid knock, adding another 54 runs with Tofael Ahmed in an unbroken sixth-wicket stand by the close of play. Tofael was on 15, while Zakir remained unbeaten at 130 off 184, hitting 19 boundaries.
Earlier, Barishal resumed Day 2 at 269-9, and Sohag Gazi played a crucial knock, adding 43 runs for the last wicket.
Sohag scored a blistering 68 off 70 balls, including four fours and seven sixes, almost single-handedly contributing all 43 runs for Barishal's final wicket before being the last batter out. His partner, Ruyel Mea, faced 15 balls but remained unbeaten on 0.
Mohiuddin Tarek was the pick of the bowlers for Sylhet, claiming 3-41, while Abu Jayed Rahi and Tofael Ahmed took two wickets each.
Dhaka vs ChattogramOpener Anisul Islam narrowly missed a double century, but his 186 helped Dhaka Division reach a dominating position over Chattogram in the final round game of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
Dhaka resumed Day 2 at 356-2, with Anisul on 183, but he could only add three more runs before being dismissed.
His overnight partner, Marshal Ayub, continued his strong form, finishing with 165, while Ashikur Rahman Shibli, who had retired due to injury, returned to complete his century.
When he reached exact 100, Dhaka declared their first innings at 541-6. Chattogram, unable to cope with the mounting pressure, faltered early, ending the day at 94-6 before bad light forced an early stumps.
They trail by a massive 447 runs. Irfan Shukkur top-scored for Chattogram with 43, while Nayeem Hasan (3) and Hasan Murad (2) will resume the innings on Day 3, facing an uphill battle to avoid the follow-on.
Khulna vs RangpurThe game between Khulna and Rangpur is finely poised after a dramatic 16- wicket day at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.
Resuming Day 2 at 302-9, Khulna were bowled out for 308 in their first innings, before seizing control of the match. Rangpur were bundled out for just 174, with Sofor Ali leading the charge with a brilliant 5-78. Mehedi Hasan Rana provided excellent support, taking 2-30 as Khulna dominated Rangpur's batting.
However, Rangpur fought back, reducing Khulna to 41-5 in their second innings by stumps. Despite the collapse, Khulna ended the day with an overall lead of 174 runs, leaving the match hanging in the balance.
Much will depend on Ziaur Rahman and Afif Hossain, who were at the crease when the day ended. Ziaur was on 3, while Afif was yet to get off the mark.
The day belonged to Sofor Ali, whose brilliant bowling spell dismantled Rangpur's batting line-up. Alauddin Babu was the highest scorer for Rangpur with 44, while Iqbal Hossain made 27.
Rajshahi vs MymensinghLeft-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam spun Mymensingh, by claiming figures of 5-18 to help Rajshahi Division take control at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
After Mymensingh resumed Day 2 at 73-2, Sunzamul's devastating spell led to their collapse, dismissing them for just 137 in their first innings.
His brilliant bowling which saw him grabbed his 27th five-for in the first class cricket gave Rajshahi a crucial 82-run lead after they were all out for 219 earlier in the day.
Rajshahi extended their advantage in the second innings, reaching 210-6 at stumps, and now lead by 292 runs.
Rahim Ahmed was batting on 47 with Shakhir Hossain Shurvo on 30, having put on an unbeaten 85-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Pritom Kumar earlier contributed 40 runs.
Mymensingh, who started the day as favorites to take a first-innings lead, lost their final eight wickets for just 55 runs with Sunzamul's regular breakthroughs breaking their resistance.
Mohor Sheikh also contributed with the ball, claiming 2-25. Khalid Hasan was the top-scorer for the side with 37 while Naim Sheikh made 33 for Mymensingh. �"BSS
