North Zone seize control as Pritom, Akbar hammer tons

Centuries from Pritom Kumar and Akbar Ali put North Zone in a commanding position against South Zone at the end of the second day of their ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League four-day match at Sylhet Outer Stadium on Wednesday.

Pritom remained unbeaten on a superb 151 off 184 balls, while captain Akbar struck a fluent 121 off 158 deliveries. The pair added a crucial 233 runs for the fourth wicket, lifting North Zone to 379 for six at stumps and securing a first-innings lead of 65 runs after South Zone had posted 314 on day one.

The ton was Pritom’s fifth in first-class cricket, while Akbar brought up his third.

Resuming on 16 without loss, North Zone suffered an early wobble, slipping to 53 for three. However, Pritom and Akbar steadied the innings with their massive stand, firmly putting their side in control.

For South Zone, pacer Sofor Ali and left-arm spinner Samiun Basir Ratul picked up two wickets apiece.

In the other match, half-centuries from Amit Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim helped East Zone reach 243 for three at stumps, trailing Central Zone by 64 runs at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Amit was unbeaten on 88 off 157 balls, while Joy made 64 and Mushfiqur remained not out on 59, as the trio rebuilt the innings after early setbacks. Openers Zakir Hasan (13) and Mominul Haque (15) failed to convert their starts and were dismissed by pacer Anamul Haque.

Earlier, Central Zone resumed on 272 for six but lost their remaining four wickets for just 35 runs to be bowled out for 307.

Abu Hider Rony, who was unbeaten on 90 overnight, was dismissed without adding to his score by Khaled Ahmed. Ashikur Rahman Shibli, resuming on 75, also failed to capitalise and was the last man out, falling to Ebadot Hossain for 86 off 182 balls.

Ebadot was the standout performer with the ball for East Zone, finishing with figures of 4 for 54, while fellow pacer Tofael Ahmed claimed three wickets.