Jishan, Mosaddek heroics power Central Zone into BCL final

Jishan Alam’s scintillating maiden List A century followed by Mosaddek Hossain’s nerveless unbeaten half-century powered Central Zone to a thrilling two-wicket win over North Zone and into the final of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day version at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the defeat, North Zone also progressed to the final, having won their first two matches.

Their qualification was confirmed after East Zone edged South Zone by one wicket in another nail-biting encounter at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura on the final day of the league phase.

Both Central Zone and North Zone finished with four points and will now meet again in the day-night final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on March 3.

Chasing a daunting target of 323 to secure a spot in the final, Central Zone were propelled by Jishan’s brilliant 127 off 93 balls -- an innings laced with 16 fours and five sixes -- along with Mahfijul Islam Robin’s composed 54 off 81 deliveries. The pair steered their side to a commanding 249 for four after 42 overs, with Rishad Hossain claiming three of those wickets.

However, North Zone clawed their way back into the contest as S M Meherob Hasan and Shoriful Islam picked up two wickets each, reducing Central Zone to 278 for eight. With 45 runs required from the final four overs and only two wickets in hand, the match shifted to North Zone’s way.

Mosaddek then produced a match-winning cameo under pressure. The all-rounder smashed four boundaries and four sixes in his unbeaten knock, including a four and a six off the first two deliveries of the final over bowled by Mukidul Islam Mugdho. With eight runs needed in the last over, Mosaddek sealed victory with four balls to spare in dramatic fashion.

Earlier, after being sent in to bat, North Zone posted 322 for seven in 50 overs, riding on Tawhid Hridoy’s well-crafted 102 off 113 balls. Tanzid Hasan Tamim struck a fluent 92 off 92 deliveries, while Sabbir Rahman added a brisk 73 off 51 balls to power the total past 320.

For Central Zone, pacer Abu Hider Rony was the standout performer with 4-59, while Ripon Mondol chipped in with 2-64.

In Bogura, East Zone found an unlikely hero in Hasan Mahmud in a low-scoring thriller against South Zone. Chasing 181, East Zone were in dire straits at 141 for nine in the 36th over, with Soumya Sarkar claiming four wickets.

Hasan, however, held his nerve with an unbeaten 35 off 45 balls and stitched together an unbroken 40-run last-wicket partnership with Mushfik Hasan (4 off 35 not out). Their resilience carried East Zone to 181 for nine in 47.3 overs, sealing a dramatic one-wicket victory.

Earlier, South Zone were bowled out for 180 in 43.2 overs after being asked to bat first, with Hasan and Nayeem Hasan taking three wickets apiece. Opener Anisul Islam top-scored with a 53-ball 50.

With the defeat, South Zone were eliminated from final contention, as both they and East Zone finished with two points.