DHAKA, Oct 22, 2024 (BSS) - Dhaka Metro and Rangpur Division secured victories, beating their respective opponents in the first round of the 26th National Cricket League today at different venues across the country. 

The match between Rajshahi and Khulna ended in a draw at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

In the country's first class cricket, Metro romped to an eight-wicket victory over Barishal Division at Sylhet Academy ground.

Metro declared first innings at 408-5 after captain Marshall Ayub (127) and Aich Mollah (122) hit centuries.

Ashraful Isalm Siam took 5-73 then to wrap up Barishal for 219 and enforced a follow-on. Barishal fared little better in the second innings to put up 251, before being all out but could set just 63 runs target which Metro overhauled, losing just two wickets.

Rangpur however recorded an innings 81 run victory over Chattogram at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra.

Rangpur declared the first innings at 273-9 and then enforced follow-on on Chattogram after wrapping them up for just 103. Chattogram however couldn't avoid the innings defeat as they were bowled out for just 89 in the second innings.