Shakib’s all-round show leads Central Zone to victory in BCL

Shakib Al Hasan (left) of Walton Central Zone in action against Islami Bank East Zone during the one-day match of the Bangladesh Cricket League at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Agency photo
Shakib Al Hasan (left) of Walton Central Zone in action against Islami Bank East Zone during the one-day match of the Bangladesh Cricket League at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Agency photo
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BSS, Dhaka :
Shakib Al Hasan made decent return to domestic cricket as he put up a sterling all-round performance to lead Walton Central Zone secure a 22-run victory against Islami Bank East Zone in a low-scoring affair of the one-day format of Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) on Sunday at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Shakib scored 35 and then followed it up with 2-24 to script the victory for the Central Zone, who eyed a BCL double after clinching the trophy of four-day tournament recently.
Being sent to bat first, Central Zone were bowled out for 177 in 43.2 overs after which led by Shakib, their bowlers, wrapped up East Zone for 155 in 47.1 overs.
Mizanur Rahman gave Central Zone a fluent start with 36 off 40 that studded with four fours and one six even though his fellow opener Soumya Sarkar was out on 13. Abdul Mazid also couldn’t carry, forcing Shakib to come to bat early.
Shakib, who took rest from the two-match Test series against New Zealand, was not as fluent as he was used to be but his patient batting saw him made 35 off 58 with two fours that stabilized the things. Later, Mohammad Mithun made a run-a-ball-37 to help Central put a decent total on difficult pitch.
Rubel Hossain and Rejaur Rahman Raja took three wickets apiece for East Zone.
However, East Zone batters also found it tough to bat on this wicket and the situation was worsened by the controlled bowling of Shakib who opened the bowling along with Abu Haider Rony.
Soumya Sarkar and Hasan Murad also played a perfect foil to Shakib, snaring two wickets apiece while Abu Haider and Captain Mosaddek Hossain picked up one wicket each.
Rony Talukdar was the highest scorer for East Zone with 38 while Shukkur made 31.

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