DHAKA, Dec 1, 2024 (BSS) - Opener Rony Talukdar brought his name in the discussion table after a long time as he struck a century to lift his Dhaka Division and Barishal on Day 2 the seventh and final round game of the National Cricket League (NCL) today.
                  
When Rony could hit a century, Khulna opener Anamul Haque Bijoy missed it out by 10 runs but Khulna captain Mohammad Mithun remained unbeaten on 89. Elsewhere Sylhet’s Amite Hasan continued his rich vein of from, hitting yet another half-century.

 Dhaka vs Barishal

Opener Rony Talukdar hit a century as Dhaka Division kept them aloft over Barishal Division at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.

Rony hammered 112 off 202 with 16 fours and one six as Dhaka ended Day 2 at 303-8, taking a 14-run lead against Barishal.

Barishal earlier on Day 1 were bundled out for 289 with Sohag Gazi making highest 78.

Dhaka’s innings, however, was all about Rony who led the side astutely amid the failure of the other batters. No batters could reach fifty-run mark as Rony fought alone to help the side take a lead. He was, however, the eighth batter.

Sumon Khan was batting on 35 with Anamul Haque on 22 at stumps.

 Khulna vs Rangpur

Anamul Haque Bijoy missed out his century by 10 runs before helping Khulna reach 240-7 against Rangpur at Khulna Stadium.

The first day was truncated by rain, allowing just 25 overs play in which Khulna reached 79-2.

They resumed the day with an aspiration of Bijoy century but the batter was dismissed by Mukidul Islam Mugdho on 90. His 142-ball-knock was studded by nine fours and four sixes.

However, captain Mohammad Mithun is on the verge of century as he ended the day on 89. Apart from Bijoy and Mithun, no other batters even could cross 20.

Mugdho, Ariful Haque and Nobin Islam took two wickets apiece for Rangpur.

 Dhaka Metro vs Chattogram

Chattogram staged a fightback but Dhaka Metro ensured they will keep them aloft at Rajshahi Stadium.

Led by Ashraful Hasan, who claimed 4-61, Chattogram bowled Metro for 268 after they resumed the Day 2 at 161-3. From that point, Metro expected a big score but left-arm spinner Ashraful’s intervention denied them.

Chattogram thereby conceded a 108 runs lead as they were dismissed for 160 in their first innings.

Aich Mollah was the top-scorer for Metro with 57 while Anisul Islam and captain Naim Sheikh scored 45 and 42 runs respectively.

Metro then replied with Abu Haider Rony who snared 4-41 to reduce Chattogram to 173-6 at stumps. Chattogram now has overall 65 runs lead with four wickets hands.

Sajjdual Haque Ripon was the top-scorer for Chattogram with 54 while Sadikur Rahman made 35.

 Sylhet vs Rajshahi

Sylhet captain Amite Hasan continued his rich vein of form by hitting another half-century but Rajshahi made it sure they will be on top by taking an 84 runs lead at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Resuming the day at 49-2, Sylhet, which had already clinched NCL title, were bowled out for 212, conceding a 14-run first innings lead. Rajshahi were dismissed for 226 in its first innings.

Rajshahi, however, reached 70-3 at stumps, extending the lead to 84.

Opener Pinak Ghosh gave Sylhet a good start and made 58 but he was just supported by Amite who was removed after scoring 53. Naim Hossain Sakib was the other notable scorer with 30.

Nihad Uz Zaman scalped 4-61 to play an important role in Rajshahi’s first innings lead.

Habibur Rahman Sohan and SM Meherob shared 62 runs for the opening stand to Rajshahi a solid start but they thereafter lost three wickets for eight runs including these two openers.

Nihad uz Zaman and Shakhir Hossain Shuvo were in the crease with 1 and 0 run respectively.