BSS, Dhaka :
Youngster Zakir Hasan closed in on his ninth first class century as South Zone took a 28-run lead against Islami Bank East Zone in the first round game of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), a premier first class tournament of the country, at Shaheed Kamruzzman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday.
At the end of the day two game, South Zone reached 288-6 while East Zone bowled out at 260 in its first innings.
Zakir Hasan who ensured the side’s lead after a tough day was batting on 91. He played 171 balls so far and hit 11 fours and one six.
Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy also played a crucial role alongside Zakir, hitting 88 off 156, that included 14 fours and one six.
Resuming the day on 3 for no loss, South Zone experienced a collapse that saw them reduced to 42-3. Anamul and Zakir then rescued the side, combining for a 128-run partnership for the fourth wicket stand that gave South Zone the upper-hand.
The partnership was broken when occasional bowler Mohammad Ashraful dismissed Anamul. East Zone then again struck through Nayeem Hasan who got the wicket of Nahidul for 7.
Zakir found the support from Farhad Reza who struck four sixes in his 38 off 36. The dismissal of Farhad by Ashraful gave East Zone a chance to take a lead.
However, Zakir paired with Mahedi Hasan helped the side earn the crucial lead at the end of the day as they added 60-run for an undefeated seventh wicket stand.
Much will depend on them how strong lead they could take in the game that may convert into winning. Mahedi Hasan was unbeaten on 28 at stumps.
Nayeem Hasan was the most successful bowler for East Zone with 3-95 while Ashraful took two. Earlier, Mahedi and Nasum Ahmed both scalped five wickets apiece to wrap up East Zone’s innings for 260 on day one.
