Riyad misfires, but South make 305 for 6

South Zone rode on a 136-run opening partnership between Fazle Mahmud and Anamul Haque to make a solid start against East Zone in the final of the Bangladesh Cricket League at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram yesterday.

Fazle and Anamul appeared to have proved East's decision to bowl first wrong and batted brilliantly, going for lunch at 82 for no loss in 27 overs.

East got the breakthrough when Anamul fell victim to a run out and departed after making 76. Fazle also failed to reach three figures, being removed by spinner Saqlain Sajib.  Fazle hit 86 off 155 balls that contained nine fours and two sixes.

The focus was on stalwart Mahmudullah Riyad after the selectors had decided to 'rest' him following his dismal showing in the Rawalpindi Test. But the right-hander failed to make any impact and was removed by Abu Hider after scoring just one run.

Ultimately, thanks to Shamsur Rahman's unbeaten 37 and Mahdei Hasan's 36, South crossed the 300-mark on the opening day with four wickets in hand.

SCORES IN BRIEF

SOUTH   ZONE:  First   innings 305 for 6 in 88 overs (Fazle   Mahmud   86, Anamul 76; Ruyel 2-58)