DHAKA, Nov 4, 2023 (BSS)-Dhaka Division retained its top position and stayed as the only unbeaten team in the 25th National Cricket League after registering a facile 10-wicket win over Rangpur Division today at Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi.

It was their third victory in the fourth match---the other match was drawn. Pacer Salahuddin Sakil and left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Apu scripted the victory inside three days in NCL Tier-1 game, sharing 15 wickets between them.

Sakil claimed his career-best 6-31 in the first innings to bowl Rangpur out for 158 and Dhaka then took a massive 163-run lead, after putting up 321. Nadif Chowdury made 93 while Sumon Khan scored 57.

Apu wrecked havoc on Rangpur in the second innings, taking 6-56 which dismissed them for just 178. Sakil in this innings took two wickets.

Dhaka however took just 3.2 overs to reach 17 for no loss as they were set 16 runs for a victory.

Khulna Division meanwhile bolstered its top position in NCL Tier-2, crushing Rajshahi by an innings and 109-run margin at Sylhet Academy Ground in Sylhet. Their victory, their third in fourth game, also came inside three days.

After being sent to bat first, Rajshahi were skittled out for just 185 and Khulna replied with 472 all out in their only innings, taking a 287 runs lead. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan hammered 125 and Imrul Kayes made 115 to help Khulna put up a huge total. Soumya Sarkar complemented them with 86.

Taijul Islam and Sunzamul Islam snapped up four wickets apiece.

However, pacer Al Amin Hossain snared 5-48 as Rajshahi were bowled out for 178, conceding an innings defeat.