DHAKA, Nov 3, 2024 (BSS)-Brilliant century from Sazzadul Hoque Ripon and 
Iftekhar Hossain Ifti and offspinner Mahedi Hasan's five-for was the 
highlight of Day 2 of the National Cricket League (NCL) third round.

Dhaka Metro, however, closed in on their first defeat after winning two 
straight matches following being imposed a follow-on at the hands of Khulna 
Division. Elsewhere Sylhet and Chattogram put them in strong position.

Khulna vs Metro

Offspinner Mahedi Hasan claimed 5-62 as Khulna Division put them on top 
against Dhaka Metro at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Resuming the day at 358-6, Khulna lost the rest of the four wickets for just 
23 runs to be all out for 371 but they hit back in style to establish their 
full dominance.

Mahedi Hasan played the important role with his five-for to skittle Metro out 
for 210 and forced them to follow-on. After following on, they reached 12 for 
no loss at stumps.

Abdul Halim took three for 28 runs to complement Mahedi in giving Metro a 
torrid period.

Captain Naim Sheikh top-scored with 54 after opening the innings. He gave the 
side a good start but Mahedi and Halim brought Khulna back in the contention.

Aminul Islam Biplob made 44 while Marshall Ayub scored 37.

Chattogram vs Dhaka

Sazzadul Hoque Ripon hit a century as Chattogram took the stranglehold 
against Dhaka Division at Cox's Bazar Academy ground today.

Thanks to Ripon's century Chattogram put up 371 before being all out and 
Dhaka then reached 22 for no loss at stumps.

Parvez Hossain Emon, however, missed out his ton by five runs after being run 
out on 95.

Resuming the day at 107-1, Ripon and Emon played with sustained aggression to 
hand Chattogram the baton. They shared 221 for the second wicket stand, which 
was only broken after the run out dismissal of Emon who hammered nine fours 
and two sixes in h8is 139-ball-knock.

Ripon Mondol then dismissed Sazzadul Ripon after he smashed 14 fours and five 
sixes for his 185 ball-139.

After his dismissal, Chattogram lost wickets in quick succession but 30 plus 
knock from captain Shahadat Hossain Dipu (31) and Shamim Patwari (36) 
propelled them past 350-run mark.

Ripon Mondol, Anamul Haque and Shuvagata Hom took two wickets apiece.

Dhaka openers Ashikur Rahman Shibli (13) and Joyraj Sheikh (9) then saw off 
the day without any trouble.

Sylhet vs Rangpur

A day when 15 wickets fell, Sylhet Division took control on their third round 
game against Rangpur Division.

Resuming the day at 24 for no loss, Sylhet were bowled out for 189 in their 
first innings, taking a 31-run lead. While the lead was slim, Sylhet quickly 
put Rangpur in trouble by reducing them to 66-5 at stumps.

Rangpur which were bowled out for 158 in its first innings, had now 35 runs 
lead with five wickets at hands at the end of Day 2.

Robiul Haque and Abul Hashim took three wickets apiece, but captain Amite 
Hasan's 57 runs knock proved to be vital in helping Sylhet take the crucial 
lead. Openers Pinak Ghosh and Taufiq Khan Tushar made identical 28 runs and 
as Sylhet got 61 runs from the opening stand.

Roibul and Hashhim sliced through the middle order to help the side back on 
track before Amite ensured Sylhet's advantage.

With the deficit of 31 runs, Rangpur came to bat with a hope to regain the 
control in the second innings but Tofael Ahmed left them in troublesome 
situation by taking 3-13.

Barishal vs Rajshahi

The match between Barishal and Rajshahi finally rolled on to the ground after 
the Day 1 was washed out at Cox's Bazar Stadium.

Opting to bat first, Barishal were bowled out for 205 at stumps on Day 2 with 
Iftekhar Hossain Ifti alone hitting 116. The next best was Moinul Islam's 33 
while Salman Emon was the only other to reach double digits, making 30.

Walid Hossain took 4-51 for Rajshahi while Wasi Siddiquee snapped up 2-27.