In the second round of National Cricket League, the Tier-1 match between Sylhet Division and Khulna Division awaits an exciting finish as Sylhet would need 91 runs more to win the contest with seven wickets remaining on the final day in Sylhet.
Sylhet finished the third day’s play at 112-3 after they were set a target of 203 runs by Khulna at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground on Tuesday.
Amite Hasan struck 41 runs while Zakir Hasan and Alok Kapali remained unbeaten on 37 and nine runs respectively.
Earlier, Khulna were bowled out for 178 runs in their second innings where Nahidul Islam, Ziaur Rahman and skipper Mohammad Mithun making 48, 47, and 46 runs respectively.
Sylhet pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja, who claimed three wickets in the first innings, finished with 5-51 in Khulna’s second innings to complete his second five-for in first-class cricket.
In the other Tier-1 match, Dhaka Division extended their lead to 111 runs against Rangpur Division after finishing the day at 38-0 in Sylhet.
Earlier, spinner duo Nazmul Islam and Shuvagata Hom claimed four wickets each as Dhaka bowled out Rangpur for 321 runs in their first innings after they resumed on 96-3.
Rangpur’s Ariful Haque missed out his hundred by just two runs as he made 98 off 118 balls while Nasir Hossain and Naeem Islam scored 66 and 55 runs respectively.
Meanwhile, in Cox’s Bazar, Rajshahi Division finished the day at 24-1 in their second innings, still trailing Dhaka Metro by 63 runs in their second-round Tier-2 match.
Earlier, Metro, which resumed on 283-7, posted 339 runs in their first innings and earned an 87-run lead over Rajshahi.
Metro’s leg-spinner Aminul Islam and pacer Abu Hider struck 65 and 68 runs respectively in their innings while Taijul Islam and Sunzamul Islam claimed four wickets each for Rajshahi.
