Opener Tamim Iqbal struck an epic 334 not out as Islami Bank East Zone kept them aloft over the Walton Central on the day three of the first round game of Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Tamim’s triple ton, the second by a Bangladeshi batsman in the first class cricket enabled East Zone to declare their first innings on 555-2.
At stumps, Central Zone reached 115-3, still trailing by 227 runs to make East Zone batting for the second time. Central Zone earlier was bowled out for 213 in its first innings.
East Zone however made a mockery with Central Zone bowlers on day three too, with Tamim who began the day on 222, completed his triple century off 407 balls.
It was his first triple ton, surpassing his previous best 206 which he made against Pakistan in a Test match in 2015.
He then quickly went past Roqibul Hassan’s 313 to become the highest individual scorer for Bangladesh in first class cricket. Roqibul earned the feat in 2007 during a National Cricket League (NCL) game for Barishal against Sylhet.
Roqibul who is playing for Central Zone was quick to congratulate Tamim after the ace opener eclipsed him.
In his marathon 426 balls knock, Tamim smashed 42 fours and three sixes for his 334 not out-a famous number that etched in cricketing folklore due to be the highest Test score for all time great Sir Don Bradman.
Alongside Tamim, Yasir Ali was not out on 62, after sharing 197-run with Tamim for the undefeated third wicket stand. Earlier on day two, captain Mominul Haque hit 111.
