Records tumble as Rajshahi demolish Barishal

Rajshahi entangled Barishal to register a first win in the Bangabandhu National Cricket League (BNCL), ending the Tier-2 game before lunch on the second day amid a flurry of records at the BKSP-3 ground in Savar yesterday.

Left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam ended with figures of 10 for 33, the most economic 10-or-more wicket haul in Bangladesh's first-class history as Rajshahi sealed an innings-and-nine-run win over Barishal in the second round.

After being bowled out for 82 in the first innings, Barishal folded meekly again for just 60. Their aggregate 142 runs is the lowest in a first-class match.

They had a chance after bundling Rajshahi out for 151 in their first innings, but were unable to utilise the opportunity.

Left-arm spinner and man of the match Taijul Islam bagged eight wickets in the game.

In the other Tier-2 game at the main ground of the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar, Chattogram declared on 402 for 8 in their first innings. In reply, Dhaka Metropolis ended the second day on 132 for 3 in their first innings.

After reaching his century the day prior, Chattogram's Pinak registered his first-class best score of 159.

Dhaka lost opener Azmir Ahmed on ten but Shamsur Rahman and Zabid Hossain added 118 for the second wicket before Shamsur departed for 68.

However, Zabid was unbeaten on 46 as Dhaka Metropolis ended the day on 132 for 3, trailing by 270.

In a Tier-1 clash at the Rangpur Cricket Garden, the hosts took a first-innings lead of 143 over Khulna after being bowled out for 364.

Rangpur skipper Ariful Haque missed out on a hundred by just three runs, walking back for a 164-ball 97 that featured eleven fours.

Nasir Hossain also continued maintained form and scored 66 while pacer Masum Khan bagged four wickets for the bowling side. In their second innings, Khulna ended on 4 for 1and trail by 139 runs.

At the outer ground of the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox's Bazar, Dhaka division trail Sylhet by 131 runs after ending the day on 239 for six.

Resuming on 282 for 6, Sylhet were bowled out for 370 in their first innings after riding on Zakir Hasan's second hundred of the league. Off-spinner Shuvagata Hom bagged four wickets for Dhaka.

Meanwhile, the BCB looks set to reduce the number of venues for the tournament with Covid-19 in mind after a few cricketers, including Test captain Mominul Haque, tested positive and missed the second round of the league.

According to BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury, the board is focused on continuing forward, but will also give top priority to the safety.