Nasir eyeing maiden triple

Rangpur's Nasir Hossain, who smashed his first double hundred in first-class cricket during last year's National Cricket League (NCL), is now eyeing a maiden triple hundred as the right-hander remained unbeaten on 270 on the third day of their NCL final-round game against Barisal at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium in Chittagong yesterday.

So far Rakibul Hasan is the only Bangladeshi batsman to hit a triple hundred as he scored an unbeaten 313 for Barisal against Sylhet back in 2007. Nasir's 270 is the third highest individual score in domestic cricket, with Marshal Ayub's 289 in second place.

"Obviously I am eyeing the triple hundred," Nasir told The Daily Star after the day's play. "It's a huge milestone for any cricketer to score a triple hundred and I think apart from Rakibul bhai, no one did that. It's going to be a dream come true if I reach the mark."

The 26-year-old resumed the third day on 101 and went on to reach his second double ton before tea.

Nasir, alongside Ariful Haque, added 368 runs for the third wicket and although the latter was dismissed on 162, Rangpur posted reached 570 for five at the end of the day. During Nasir's six-hour stay at the crease he scored 29 fours and three sixes while Ariful struck 10 fours and two sixes.

"I never thought of scoring a double hundred when I resumed the day as my only aim was to survive the first hour. But gradually I was able to time the ball pretty well; however there were a few tough periods where the bowlers kept things tight. I think Ariful gave me good support at the other end but was unlucky to miss his own double century," said Nasir.

Asked whether he hopes for a return to the national Test side after his last Test outing, which was at home against Australia earlier this year, Nasir informed that his focus currently remains on the domestic circuit and not the national team.

"To be honest I don't take extra pressure as these things are beyond my control. What I am focused on at the moment is only my performance and improving my skills whenever I get the opportunity," Nasir concluded.