Despite being in cornered situation for the first three days of the game, Rajshahi Division came out with all guns blazing on the final and fourth day to seal a thrilling six-run win over Rangpur Division in National Cricket League (NCL) Tier-1 game on Tuesday.
At the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium, Ground-2 in Cox’s Bazar, two left-arm spinners – Sunazmul Islam and Saqlain Sajib – led the unlikely victory, sharing 10 wickets between them as Rangpur, chasing a target of just 118, was shot out for 111.
Sunzamul ended with 5-48 while Saqlain returned figures of 5-35 to cause the havoc and propelled the side to second position in Tier-1 point table with 13.11 points. Khulna whose match against Dhaka Division ended in a draw, led the point table with 17.25 points.
Resuming the day on 129-6, Rajshahi was bowled out for 190 in its second innings on the final day morning session. Sunzamul Islam also contributed in batting with highest 36 runs while Junaid Siddique made 34.
As they set just 118 runs target, it appeared Rangpur would win it with ease but Sunazmul and Saqlain proved to be tough nuts to crack. Earlier, Rajshahi was bowled out for just 201 runs in its first innings and conceded 73 runs lead when Rangpur made 273 in its first innings before being all out. Sunzamul took 3-86 in first innings and ended match figure with 8-134. He was adjudged man of the match for his fine show with both batting and bowling.
Anamul Haque Bijoy hit back-to-back century while off-spinner Mahedi Hasan returned match figure of 9-138 but Dhaka Division hung on there to settle for a draw at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium, Ground-1 in Cox’s Bazar.
Anamul followed his first innings 126 with 151 not out in the second innings as Khulna declared on 303-3, resuming the final day on 145-2.That helped them set 357 runs target for Dhaka.
Mahedi Hasan who scalped 4-92 in first innings also came up with sterling show in second innings as he claimed 5-46 but still Khulna fell short of taking three wickets to claim the victory. Before the bails were drawn Dhaka made 119-7 and escaped with draw. Captain Nadif Chowdhury was the highest run-getter with 37.
Earlier Khulna scored 371 in its first innings before bowling Dhaka out for 316.
