NCL Day-1: Khulna 272/7 vs Rangpur; Dhaka Met 266/6 vs Ctg

Dhaka – Holders Khulna Division scored 272 for 7 at stumps in the 1st innings against Rangpur Division in their Tier-1 match after the first day’s play of the 20th National Cricket League at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna on Monday.Khulna opted to bat first after winning the toss and could play 85 overs for the day’s collection where Soumya Sarkar [76 off 141b; 8×4; 1×6] and Anamul Haque [56 off 106b; 5×4; 2×6] hammered half centuries alongside sharing an innings of 30.3 overs for a partnership of 111 runs in the second wicket stand.

Ziaur Rahman [33* off 74b; 4×4] and skipper Abdur Razzak [0*] were at the crease when the bails were drawn for the day.Khulna’s big hitters — Soumya and Anamul — were sent off lbw by Rangpur skipper Sajedul Islam, who captured four wickets for 57 runs. Mohammad Saddam got one for 49 runs.

Sent in to bat first at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, Dhaka Metropolis scored 266 for 6 in 90 overs at stumps in the first innings against Chattogram Division after the first day’s play of their Tier-2 match.

Top scorer Zabid Hossain [79* off 149b; 9×4] and Taskin Ahmed [21* off 40b; 2×4] were at the crease in the 7th stand when the bails were drawn for the day.

Retired hurt Shamsur Rahman [50 off 105b; 4×4] and Sharifullah [45 off 57b; 5×4; 1×6] were two other notable scorers on the third round opening day.

Hasan Mahmud [2/71] and Shakhawat Hossain [2/36] equally shared four wickets for Chattogram.Meanwhile, the 1st day’s play of Barishal Division-Rajshahi Division Tier-1 match was called off without a ball being bowled due to wet outfield at Barishal Divisional Stadium while another Tier-2 match between Dhaka Division and Sylhet Division faced the same fate at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground in Cox’s Bazar.UNB