Naeem’s maiden double

Naeem Islam hit his maiden first-class double hundred at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna today.

The 31-year-old Naeem achieved the feat while playing for his home side Rangpur against Dhaka in a National Cricket League match. Resuming the second day on 120, Naeem, who has previously hit 22 centuries in 118 first-class games, fulfilled his long cherished dream in the post-lunch session.  

He was eventually out for 216 after staying at the crease for nearly five sessions. It was the first double hundred in the National League this season. His 394-ball vigil at the wicket featured 23 boundaries and five sixes. A national discard, Naeem also has a Test ton under his belt against the West Indies in his short stint with the Tigers. His previous first-class best was 185.

The right-hand batsman who is also a useful off-spinner found an able partner in Ariful Haq to complete his double hundred. He dominated a 182-run fifth-wicket stand with Ariful. Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna has always been generous for producing runs and it was not surprising for Naeem to fulfill his dream at this very ground. Riding on Naeem's double, Rangpur declared their first innings at 560-8 but not before Ariful completed his century. It was the third ton of the innings after Suhrawadi Shuvo's 145 on the opening day.

Dhaka were 54-1 at stumps on the second day.