Rajshahi Wins in Three Days
Cricket, a team sport, saw Rajshahi prove their dominance by defeating Khulna within three days at Mirpur. In the Shere Bangla Stadium, Rajshahi achieved a 7-wicket victory, with the standout individual performance being Shakir Hossain’s 89 runs in the first innings, batting at number seven.
Rajshahi was set a target of 109 runs to win, which they reached in just 23.5 overs. When only one run was required to win, Sabbir Rahman sealed the deal with a massive six over long-on. Sabbir, who has been out of the national team for some time, scored 12 runs off 7 balls. The highest score in the run chase was by opener Habibur Rahman, who made 62 runs. He and Sabbir put on an opening partnership of 73 runs, setting up the foundation for the victory.
Earlier, Khulna resumed on the third day with 68 runs for 1 wicket, but were bowled out for 255 runs. The highest scorer for Khulna was Mehedi Hasan Miraz, who made 48 runs. Four other Khulna batsmen passed 30 runs but couldn’t extend their innings. For Rajshahi, national team fast bowler Nahid Rana claimed 3 wickets for 71 runs. Another pacer, Ali Mohammad Walid, also took 3 wickets, conceding 29 runs. The Player of the Match was off-spin all-rounder SM Meherb, who took 5 wickets.
Mushfiq Stands Unbeaten on 93
Mushfiqur Rahim, who has 18 centuries in first-class cricket, was very close to his second century in the National Cricket League (NCL). Of his 18 centuries, just one came in the National League, and it was only three years ago that he scored 110 runs for Rajshahi against Dhaka Metropolitan. Now, playing for Sylhet Division, Mushfiq was left unbeaten on 93 runs in the first innings against Dhaka Division as the third day drew to a close. His team continued batting throughout the day, starting with 33 runs for no loss and finishing the day on 260 for 7 wickets. Sylhet still trails Dhaka by 50 runs.
When Mushfiq came to bat, Sylhet had lost 3 wickets for 82 runs. Once the score reached 118, two more wickets fell, but Mushfiq and Shahanur (30) added a 94-run partnership. In his 170-ball innings, Mushfiq hit 4 fours and 2 sixes.
Rain Affects the Match in Cox’s Bazar
At the Cox’s Bazar International Stadium, only 15 overs of play were possible on the third day of the Chattogram-Barisal match. The previous night’s rain rendered the outfield unfit for play, and the delay in clearing the ground led to the disruption. The match was further delayed by fading light, and play was stopped earlier than scheduled. Barisal started the day with 115 runs for 2 wickets and ended the day with 166 runs for 2 wickets.
Meanwhile, at the adjacent academy ground, no play was possible in the Mymensingh-Rangpur match due to the same weather-related issues.