DHAKA, Nov 25, 2024 (BSS)- Sylhet and Khulna Divisions edged closer to a
victory in the respective matches in the sixth round, the penultimate round
of the National Cricket League (NCL) at different venues across the country
today.

Elsewhere the match between Dhaka Metro and Rangpur appeared to end in a
draw.
 
Sylhet vs Barishal

Tofael Ahmed dazzled with a sterling allround performance to help Sylhet
close in on a victory against Barishal Division at Sylhet International
Cricket Stadium.

Tofael firstly struck a brilliant 64 runs with the willow before taking three
wickets for 17 runs to cement Sylhet's full control in the game on Day 3.

Thanks to his 64 runs knock, Sylhet, who are in the top of the point table,
put up 342 before being all out and took a crucial 38 runs first innings
lead.

His three-wicket haul then was instrumental in dismissing Barishal for just
142 runs in its second innings at stumps and gave the side a paltry 105-run
target to win the game.

Barishal were bowled out for 304 in its first innings.

When Sylhet resumed the day at 217-6, they were in danger to concede a lead
but Tofael played with unwavering resolve to deny Barishal gain the
advantage.

His 84 ball-64 was studded by eight fours and one six. He was ably supported
by Rejaur Rahman Raja who made 35 off 140.

Ruyel Miah grabbed 3-79 and Sohag Gazi bagged 2-29 for Barishal.

Barishal could have amended by batting well in the second innings but Syed
Khaled Ahmed ripped through their top order in a gem of pace bowling.

Khaled finally ended with 4-18. Left-arm Nasum Ahmed took 2-47 and Tofael who
claimed 3-17 did the rest by scything down Barishal middle order and late
order.

With just one round of the NCL being left, the victory in this match would
close Sylhet in on securing the title.
 
 
Chattogram vs Khulna

Fast bowler Al-Amin Hossain shined in with four for 55 runs to help Khulna
Division reduce Chattogram to 118-7 while chasing a victory target of 204 at
Sylhet Academy Ground.

Khulna now needs only three wickets on Day 4 tomorrow for their second
victory in ongoing NCL. Chattogram relatively has tough task at hands as they
needed 86 runs.

Ashraful Hasan was batting on 28 with Ahmed Sharif on 5 at stumps on Day 3.

Earlier resuming the day at 56-1, Khulna were bundled out for 219 runs in
their second innings.

Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy played the key role with 115 ball-75, laced with a
dozen of boundaries. Khulna then suffered collapse before No.8 batter Sheikh
Parvez Jibon hammered 52 to help the side propel past 200.

Enamul Haque Ashik returned figures of 4-54 to derail Khulna and Ashraful
Hasan complemented him with 3-36.

Al-Amin Hossain made the target tougher for Chattogram, striking at regular
intervals. Masum Khan Tutul who took 2-16 played a second fiddle to him in
leaving Chattogram at bay.
 
Wicket-keeper batter Irfan Shukkur was the top-scorer for Chattogram with 32.

Khulna were bowled out for 204 in its first innings before Chattogram took
16-run lead by putting up 220 before being all out.
 
Dhaka Metro vs Rangpur

Naeem Islam played stubborn 88-run knock as Rangpur Division halted Dhaka
Metro's victory march by reaching 253-9 at Cox's Bazar Academy Ground.

Metro were supposed to rule the game after Rangpur resumed the day at 32-2.
But to their surprise Naeem stood tall to deny them bowling out Rangpur
cheaply.

With just one-day left, the game looked to be destined to a draw.

Naeem played 205 balls for his 88 and struck 10 fours and one six. Tanbir
Hyder was not out on 39 with Nurul Islam Munna on 2 when the bails were drawn
for the day.

Abdullah Al Mamun made 40 while Ariful Haque added 22. Mehedi Hasan and
Anisul Islam claimed three wickets apiece for Metro.

Earlier, Metro compiled 475 before being all out in their first innings with
Naim Sheikh hitting highest 180.