Rajshahi clinch top slot beating Dhaka by innings, 157 runs

In a dress rehearsal for the final, Rajshahi Division outclassed Dhaka Division by innings and 157 runs and clinched the top slot after the 2nd phase of the four-day 12th National Cricket League at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra Monday, reports UNB. The day's result did not have any impact on the Rajshahi-Dhaka final as both teams earlier assured their place for the five-day title-deciding match that will begin on April 29 in Dhaka. On completion of the eight-match 1st and 2nd phase league matches, Rajshahi Division finished top of the table securing 96 points with six outright victories while Dhaka Division is in the 2nd slot with 80 points including two outright wins. In the day's other match, Sylhet Division became 3rd in the league with 63 points after making a draw with Barisal Division (58 points) in the last league match at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi. Replying to Rajshahi Division's mammoth first innings total 532 for 6 (declared) in Bogra, Dhaka Division (294 runs in 1st innings) resumed the 2nd innings with overnight 33 for 5 and were dismissed cheaply for 81 runs in 30 overs to concede a humiliating defeat ahead of the final. Night watch batsman Mehrab Hossain (16) scored the team highest 35 runs off 67 balls with seven boundaries. Uttam Sarker, who resumed batting with four runs, finally scored 16 runs while Arman Hossain made not out 12 for Dhaka in the 2nd innings. Delwar Hossain and Shahzada Hossain took three wickets each for 21 and 43 runs respectively. Mizanur Rahman of Rajshahi Division, who scored 176 runs, was adjudged man of the match. The day's other match between Sylhet Division and Barisal Division ended in draw on the fourth and final day of the four-day affair at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi. Starting the 2nd innings with 272 for 5, Barisal Division, with 257 runs in the first innings, declared the 2nd innings at 306 for 8 in 109.3 overs. In reply, Sylhet Division, having 252 runs in the first innings, opened the 2nd innings Monday afternoon and scored 211 runs for 5 in 82 overs to settle for draw. Skipper Alok Kapali hammered a polished 92 runs off 152 balls with 12 fours while Tasamul Haque scored 39 runs off 104 balls with five fours. Arafat Salauddin grabbed two wickets for 29 runs. Alok Kapali, who scored 86 runs in the first innings in addition to his 92 runs in the 2nd innings, was adjudged man of the match.