Naim, Mim hit tons as Mahedi shines with ball

Mohammad Naim and Mim Mosaddeak struck centuries for their respective sides, while Khulna Division’s Mahedi Hasan claimed six wickets against Rajshahi Division on the opening day of the second round of the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) on Saturday.

At Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Naim struck a brilliant 131 off 215 balls for his fifth first-class century before retiring hurt, while Jishan Alam (81) and Marshall Ayub (80 not out) also made valuable contributions as Dhaka Division finished the day on 343 for two against Sylhet Division after electing to bat first. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed took both wickets for Sylhet.

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In Mirpur, Mahedi claimed 6-38 -- his 10th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket -- while pacer Sofor Ali also took three wickets as Khulna bowled Rajshahi out for just 119 after the latter opted to bat. Sabbir Hossain top-scored for Rajshahi with 36.

Khulna, the only team to win in the first round, responded strongly, reaching 108 for one at stumps, just 11 runs behind, with Azizul Hakim Tamim unbeaten on 55.

In Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram reached 72 without loss after bowling Barishal out for 282. After opting to bat first, Barishal were reduced to 112 for five as they lost wickets at regular intervals despite Zawad Abrar’s 63 off 82 balls.

Moin Khan then shared a 99-run sixth-wicket stand with Hafizur Rahman, who scored 44, to revive the innings. Moin was eventually dismissed as the final batter after scoring 97 off 113 balls, falling just three runs short of his second first-class century.

For Chattogram, left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claimed 4-85, while Md Rubel and Ahmed Sharif took two wickets each.

At Sylhet Outer Stadium, Mim Mosaddeak struck his maiden first-class century, scoring 157 off 212 balls, while Iqbal Hossain and Abdullah Al Mamun contributed 78 and 61 respectively as Rangpur Division finished the day on 370 for six against Mymensingh Division after electing to bat first.

Azijul Hakim Rony and Asadullah Hill Galib took two wickets each for Mymensingh.