DHAKA, Nov 4, 2024 (BSS)—Marshall Ayub’s scintillating ton was the highlight of the Day 3 of National Cricket League’s (NCL) third round.

His century put Dhaka Metro in the driving seat against Khulna Division, quelling the fear of innings defeat as Metro had to follow-on after a poor performance in the first innings.

Elsewhere Mahidul Islam Ankon was one run shy of his century in the ongoing NCL. But his 99 not out helped Dhaka Division make a strong reply to Chattogram in a game, that looked heading to draw.

Pritom Kumar also starred in with 80 to keep Rajshahi in favourable position while Sylhet require 139 runs to win the game against Rangpur. 

Metro vs Khulna

Marshall Ayub hit a century to give Dhaka Metro a 131-run lead, quelling the fear of innings defeat against Khulna at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Resuming the day at 12 for no loss, Metro ended the Day 3 at 297-4 with Marshall leading the way with 130 not out. 

This was Marhsall’s second century in the ongoing NCL, having hit his first ton in the first round.

Khulna overall took 131 runs lead after the play of Day 3. 

Aminul Islam Biplob was on 48 at the time with him when the bails were drawn.

Metro was forced to follow-on after being all out for 210 in its first innings, replying to Khulna’s 376 all out.

The innings defeat scare was reinforced when Metro became three down with the scoreboard reading 99 in the morning session. All of the three top-order batters got a start but couldn’t carry on, giving Khulna the hopes to wrap up the innings with ease.

But Marshall intervened. He shared 67-run with Shamsur Rahman Shuvo for the fourth wicket, before helping the side take a lead, adding 131-run for the unbeaten fifth wicket stand with Biplob. Shuvo made 32.

Rajshahi vs Barishal

Wicket-keeper batter Pritom Kumar hit a superb 80 as Rajshahi Division kept them at favourable position against Barishal at Cox’s Bazar Stadium.

Pritom struck eight fours and two sixes in his knock as Rajshahi put up 275 in its first innings, taking 70-run lead against Barishal.

However, Barishal, which were bowled out for 205 in the first innings, reached 10 for no loss in the second innings at stumps, weathering deficit to 60.

Ruyel Mea and Salman Hossain Emon took three wickets each to wreck havoc on Rajshahi initially, giving Barishal a hope to take lead.

But Pritom played the crucial knock to dent their hopes. SM Mehorb made 36 and Wasi Siddique scored 34 not out to complement him.
 
Rangpur vs Sylhet

Rangpur recovered from a shaky 69-6 to leave their game against Sylhet Division in balance at Shahid Chandu Stadium in Bogra.

A potential defeat started at Rangpur but they fought back in style on Day 3 to post 220 before being all out in their second innings, setting 190 runs for Sylhet to win the game.

Tanbir Hayder and Nobin Islam were instrumental in reviving their hope with 149-run for the seventh wicket when they slumped to 69-6 after resuming the day at 66-5. Hayder made 73 off 168 with five fours while Nobin added 182 ball-63, including six fours.

Tofael Ahmed and Rahatul Ferdous took three wickets apiece for Sylhet while Syed Khaled Ahmed grabbed two wickets.

At stumps, Sylhet reached 51-2, still needing 139 runs to win the game with eight wickets at hand.

Pinak Ghosh was batting on 28 with nightwatchman Rejaur Rahman Raja on 1 when the bails were drawn.

 Taufiq Khan Tushar and Myshkur Rahman was dismissed on identical 9.

Dhaka vs Chattogram

Mahidul Islam Ankon, who made a Test debut against South Africa a few days ago, closed in on a century in the National Cricket League (NCL) to help Dhaka Division make a strong reply to Chattogram at Cox’s Bazar Cricket Academy.

Ankon was on 99 at stumps as Dhaka reached 281-4 after Chattogram put up 371 in its first innings. Dhaka are trailing by 90 runs at this moment but with six wickets at hands, they are poised to take a first innings lead.

Openers Ashikur Rahman Shibli and Joyraj Sheikh drove the side, adding 97 runs for the opening. The opening partnership was broken when Hasan Murad dismissed Shibli for 52.

He also took the wicket of Joyraj after he hit 74.

Ankon then took the onus to lead the side to the safety and smashed five fours and three sixes in a knock, playing 153 balls. 

Taibur Rahman was batting on 38 at the end of the day.

Murad and Nayeem Hasan took two wickets apiece for Chattogram.