Shafiul Islam devastating spell of 6 wickets for 70 and Nazmul Hossain Shanto’s 91 put North Zone in a commanding position against East Zone when the stumps were drawn on the third day of the four-day Bangladesh Cricket League held on Monday at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.
North Zone is leading with 397 runs with four second innings wickets in hand at the end of the third day’s play. They are also assured of title as they have taken unassailable lead at the points table.
Before that East Zone began the day at 197 for 6 and were bowled out 216 allowing North Zone a healthy 158 runs first inning lead.
To make matter worse for East Zone, North Zone scored quickly in their second innings as they finished on 239 for 6 to take their lead to 395 with only a day’s play left in the match.
Nazmul Hossain Shanto was in supreme touch as he remained not out for a superb 91 off 155 balls with ten boundaries. Nasir Hosain with 63 off 84 deliveries laced with eight boundaries and Junaid Siddiqui with 40 were the other notable North Zone batsmen.
Mohammad Saifuddin with 2 for 47 and Abu Jayed with 2 for 45 were the main East Zone bowlers. Abul Hossain supported them with 1 for 25.
Brief Scorecard:
North Zone: first innings 374 all out, Farhad Hossain 108, Junaid Siddique 84, Nasir Hossain 40, Nazmul Hossain 43, Dhiman Ghosh 47. M Shafiuddin 4/55, Abul Hossain 3/85.
Second Innings: 239 for 6.Nazmul Hossain Shanto 91 batting, Nasir Hossain 63, Junaid Siddiqui 40. M Shafiuddin 2/47, Aby Jayed 2/45, Abul Hossain 1/ 25.
East Zone: First Innings 216 all out. Alok Kapali 32, Abul Hasan 25, Shafiuddin 40, Rahatul Ferdous 38. Shafiul Islam 6/70, Farhad Reza 3/38.
