DHAKA, Nov 5, 2024 (BSS)-The third round of the 26th National Cricket League (NCL) ended today with three matches producing the result and one match ending in a draw.

The highlight of the 3rd round was that Khulna handed Dhaka Metro the first defeat in the ongoing first-class tournament, outclassing them by nine wickets.

Elsewhere Sylhet and Rajshahi won their matches while the match between Chattogram and Dhaka ended in a draw.

The final day of the third round also saw Dhaka Division batter Mahdiul Islam Ankon falling for nervous 99. 

Khulna vs Metro

Khulna Division secured its first victory in ongoing NCL by romping to a massive nine-wicket win against Dhaka Metro at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

The victory looked imminent when Khulna enforced a follow-on on Metro but a stubborn 152-run knock from Marshall Ayub enabled Metro to put on 372 in its second innings before being all out on final day. And that set Khulna a 207-run for victory in less than two sessions.

Khulna took the challenge, with Bijoy and Kayes playing a whirlwind knock to help the side gun down the target in just 35 overs by reaching 209-1.
Bijoy hammered 47 ball-71 with 10 fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Aminul Islam Biplob. But Kayes hung on there to ensure the side's victory, hammering an unbeaten 83 off 80, studded with nine fours and four sixes.

Earlier in the first innings, Khulna posted 376 before being all out with Bijoy (125) and Amit (145) hitting centuries.

Metro were wrapped up for 210 after Mahedi Hasan took 5-62. Khulna chose to enforce follow-on rather than batting for the second time.

It was Metro's first defeat in three matches while Khulna's first in same number of games.
 
Sylhet vs Rangpur

Nightwatchman Rejaur Rahman Raja was the unlikely hero for Sylhet in their second victory as he struck 59 runs to help the side secure four-wicket victory against Rangpur at Shahid Chandu Stadium in Bogra. The victory took Sylhet to the top of the point table so far. 

Resuming the final day at 51-2, with 139 runs still required for a victory, Sylhet rode on Raja classic to achieve the victory.

Coming at nightwatchman to see off the Day 3, little did anyone expected Raja to survive so long on final day to be the hero of the game. 

He and another overnight unbeaten batter Pinak Ghosh looked to seal the game but Naeem Islam dismissed Pinak for 42 to end the 56-run partnership.

Raja then shared another 50-run with Amite Hasan to edge the side closer to victory. 
Fast bowler Mukidul Islam Mugdho sparked a mini collapse taking three wickets for four runs including Raja who hammered five fours and one six in 117 ball-59. 

But Amit who made 37 not out and Asadullah Galib (23 not out) held the nerve to drive the side to the victory.

 
Rajshahi vs Barishal 

Left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam claimed 6-40 as Rajshahi cruised to its first victory, thrashing Barishal by six wickets at Cox's Bazar Stadium. 

Resuming the Day 4, what was the final day of the game, at 10 for no loss, Barishal were bowled out for just 137 runs, in the face of the disciplined bowling of Sunzamul.

Having being wrapped up in such low total, they were able to set just 68-run target for Rajshahi.

But Rajshahi also faced hiccup as they had to loss four wickets before reaching the winning target.

SM Meherob Hossain was not out on 23 to sail the side home with Pritom Kumar who hit 80 in the side's first innings, was on 5. Habibur Rahman scored 17 and Mizanur Rahman contributed 16.

But the game which looked heading to draw got life after Sunzamul's heroic. Sunzamul, also the captain of Rajshahi, ripped through Barishal batting in a gem of spin bowling that helped them bring out the result.

Tasamul Haque was the major contributor for Barishal with 46.

Earlier, Barishal were all out for 205 in the first innings thanks to Iftekhar Hossain Ifti's valiant 116. Rajshahi replied with 275 all out, taking 70-run lead and it proved to be decisive at the end.
 
Chattogram vs Dhaka

Mahidul Islam Ankon fell on nervous 99 as his side Dhaka Division drew their third match against Chattogram Division at Cox's Bazar Cricket Academy.

Ankon headed to fourth and final day with just one run short of the magical three-figure mark. But he was dismissed by Ahmed Sharif in the second ball of the day as Dhaka resumed at 281-4.

After the first day was washed out, the match in fact also destined to a draw. 

However Dhaka were able to add 120 runs to their overnight total with the rest of the six wickets to be bowled out for 401.

Chattogram then reached 124-4 at stumps.

In the first innings, Chattogram were bowled out for 371 after Sazzadul Hoque Ripon's 139.

Chattogram now lost two matches and drew one in their three matches. On the other hand, Dhaka drew all of their three matches.