Another stellar bowling performance from pacer Ruyel Mea helped Sylhet complete a nine-wicket victory over Chattogram Division inside just two days and top the table of the NCL Tier-2.
The victory almost sealed their spot in NCL Tier-1 in next year as the close contender Dhaka Metro, who is playing against Barishal Division at the moment, is unlikely to overhaul their 36.05 points even in case of a victory.
Following his record-breaking 8-26 in the first innings, Ruyel grabbed 5-39 in the second innings and took his match tally to 13 wickets to demolish Chattogram single-handedly in unprecedented way at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra on Sunday.
Resuming the day on, 186-5, Sylhet also didn’t fare better in batting as they were bowled out for 230 in first innings after Chattogram fast bowler Irfan Hossain took 6-95.
But still Sylhet gained a 124-run first innings lead, as Chattogram, crushed by Ruyel’s record-feat was bowled out for 106 in first innings.
Ruyel’s threat gripped them in second innings also, as they were shot out for just 165 runs, setting a meager 42-run target for Sylhet to win the game.
And Sylhet reached the target, making 45-1 in just 5.5 overs.
In another Tier-2 game at Barishal Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Metro made a strong reply, after Barishal was all out for 414 runs.
Metro, at the end of the day two, was on 225-2 with Shamsur Rahman Shuvo batting on 90 alongside Marshall Ayub who was on 85. The duo shared a 157-run in an undefeated third wicket stand after the side was reduced to 68-2.
Title aspirants Khulna Division tightened the noose over Dhaka Division in NCL Tier-1 game at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.
After bowling out Dhaka for 279, they reached 252-3 at the end of the day two. Anamul Haque Bijoy made 50. However it was veteran Tushar Imran who was batting on 75 after giving the side stability.
Nurul Hasan Sohan was not out on 56 alongside him before the bails were drawn for the day.
At Shaheed Kamruzzzman Stadium in Rajshahi, the hosts looked to take the stranglehold over Rangpur Division after the end of day two.
After dismissing Rangpur for 274, Rajshahi reached 224-5, still trailing by 50 runs. But with five wickets at hands, they looked to take a lead. Skipper Farhad Hossain was the highest scorer for the side with 75 while opener Avishek Mitra made 67.
