Zakir's grit, Mahfizul's century highlight NCL action

Dhaka, 18 Oct - The third round of National Cricket League (NCL) kicked off today with Mymensingh batter Mahfizul Islam Robin hitting a century to put his side in a strong position.

Sylhet captain Zakir Hasan also caught the attention by battling through a challenging innings with a fighting 71.

In the Sylhet-Rangpur encounter at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogrm, Sylhet were bowled out for 179 in 68 overs before Rangpur reached 32-1 in 13 overs at stumps. 

Meanwhile, Mymensingh ended the day at 226-4 in 86 overs against Dhaka, thanks largely to Mahfizul's unbeaten 116 at Cox's Bazar Stadium.

Zakir led Sylhet's resistance with a patient 71 off 135 balls, hitting two fours and a six. Despite losing partners at regular intervals, the captain held one end together. He briefly left the field after suffering a medical emergency but later returned to bat when his team needed him.

Syed Khaled Ahmed contributed 26, while Naeem Ahmed added 10 in the lower 

order. Mehedi Hasan and Sadhin Islam claimed three wickets apiece for Rangpur.

Rangpur also suffered an early setback in their reply when Tofail Ahmed Raihan dismissed Anik Sarkar for three with the score at 10. However, Mim Mosaddek, unbeaten on 15, and Iqbal Hossain, on 14, steadied the innings to take Rangpur to 32-1 at the close.

In the other match, Mahfizul anchored Mymensingh's innings with an unbeaten 116, striking nine fours and a six in 237 balls. He received valuable support from Rizan Hossain, who was not out on 43, as the pair shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership to guide their side to a commanding position.

Mymensingh lost Khalid Hasan for 24 after he added 24 runs with Mahfizul in the opening stand. Khalid struck four fours in his 48-ball innings before falling to Arif Ahmed. Ariful Islam was then dismissed without scoring by Sumon Khan, leaving Mymensingh under pressure.

Dhaka continued to make inroads as Aminul Islam removed wicketkeeper-batter Md Abdul Majid for 18 and Md Al-Amin Junior for 21. Mahfizul, however, remained composed and completed his century, ensuring Mymensingh maintained control.

Rizan provided solid support with an unbeaten 43 off 91 balls, including four fours and a six, as the two batters guided Mymensingh to 226 for four at stumps.

For Dhaka, Aminul Islam Biplob took two wickets for 42 runs.At Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Khulna were bowled out for 201, thanks to an unbeaten 64 from Imranuzzman before Chattogram reached 70-3 at stumps. Shahadat Hossain Dipu was batting on 20 with captain Irfan Shukkur on 8.

Left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam claimed 4-15 as Rajshahi dismissed Barishal for 229 in first innings at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. Hosts Rajshahi, however, ended the day at 24-1.BSS