Mahedi follows six-for with ton as NCL turns into run-fest

Five centuries lit up the second day of the second round of the National Cricket League (NCL) on Sunday, as batters dominated across the venues amid the continued impact of the Kookaburra ball and hot weather.

Shak Mahedi was the standout performer, following up his six-wicket haul on the opening day with a commanding century to put Khulna in a strong position against Rajshahi at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

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Mahedi struck 104 off 118 deliveries, hitting 10 fours and two sixes, to register his seventh first-class century and help Khulna reach 463 for 9 at stumps. His all-round contribution proved crucial as Khulna extended their lead to 344 runs, putting Rajshahi under considerable pressure.

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At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Division piled up a formidable total against Sylhet, declaring at 547 for 6. Marshall Ayub carried on from his overnight 80 to produce a superb 175, registering his 30th first-class century. Mahidul Islam Ankon provided further impetus with 104, his fifth first-class ton, as Dhaka's batters made the most of the conditions.

Sylhet made a steady start to their reply, reaching 154 for 2 by the close of play on day two, but still had plenty of work to do to challenge Dhaka's imposing total.

Chattogram also enjoyed a productive day at Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, thanks to centuries from Sadikur Rahman and Shahdat Hossain Dipu. Sadikur continued his impressive form from the first round, striking 149 off 163 balls to register back-to-back centuries. Dipu complemented his effort with an unbeaten 101 off 141 deliveries as Chattogram finished on 479 for 4, establishing a 197-run lead.

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Irfan Shukkur remained unbeaten on 92, leaving Chattogram well placed to push for a commanding position in the match.

Meanwhile, Rangpur tightened their grip on the contest against Mymensingh at the Sylhet Academy Ground. After declaring their first innings at 422 for 9, Rangpur's bowlers reduced Mymensingh to 183 for 6 by stumps.

Khalid Hasan top-scored for Mymensingh with 72, but the side struggled to keep pace with Rangpur's total. Pacer Mushfik Hasan and leg-spinner Shadhin Islam claimed three wickets each to leave Mymensingh trailing by 239 runs.