Bowlers shine in Day 1 of NCL

Rangpur pacer Musfik Hasan's ruthless dismissal of Chattogram captain Tamim Iqbal, who saw his middle stump uprooted by a brilliant delivery, proved to be the highlight of the opening day of the second-round matches of the National Cricket League yesterday.

20-year-old Musfik, who bagged a five-wicket haul on his first-class debut in the first round, ended with three wickets in the Tier-1 game in Mirpur while another pacer, Mukidul Islam, bagged four wickets for Rangpur.

On the other hand, Bangladesh ODI captain Tamim was once again dismissed after getting a start at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. He made just 19 as Chattogram were bundled out for just 126 in their first innings. Rangpur had reached 96 for two when the bails were drawn, trailing by 30 runs.

In the other Tier 1 game in BKSP-3, Dhaka Division were bundled out for 128 by Sylhet, courtesy of left-arm spinner Nabil Samad's second consecutive fifer of the tournament. In reply, Sylhet ended the first day on 59 for two, trailing by 69 runs.

In Tier 2, Dhaka Metro were bowled out for 134 in their first innings by Rajshahi, who managed to reach 72 for 2 to trail by 62 runs in Chattogram.

In the other Tier 2 match at the Sheikh Kamal International Stadium in Cox's Bazar, Barishal amassed 210 for seven riding on fifties from skipper Fazle Mahmud and Salman Hossain against Khulna.