Sylhet go top of NCL with 10-wkt win over Rajshahi

Despite a superb century of Pritom Kumar, Sylhet registered a 10-wicket victory over Rajshahi in the sixth round game of the 27th National Cricket League at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today, reports BSS.
The victory looked imminent after Sylhet gained a gigantic lead in the first innings, thanks to a 213 from Amite Hasan.
But Rajshahi fought through Pritom and avoided an innings defeat. Pritom struck 143 as Rajshahi put up 336 before being all out in their second innings, setting Sylhet only a 38 for a victory.
Sylhet reached the victory mark in 9.2 overs for their second victory in the league, which also propelled them to the top of the point table. They drew the remaining four matches to keep them unbeaten in the league still.
Skipper Zakir Hasan was unbeaten on 20 with Mubin Ahmed Dishan on 13.
Rajshahi resumed the day on 146-3 and resisted through Pritom and SM Meherob who added 102-run for the fourth wicket.
Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain broke the partnership, claiming the wicket of Meherob for 55 and sparked a collapse, amid Pritom's stubborn show.
Pritom, however, was the eighth batter out after scoring 143 off 233, an innings studded with 18 fours.
Abu Jayed Rahi and Nabil Samad grabbed three wickets apiece for Sylhet.
Earlier, put into bat first, Rajshahi were bowled out for 236 in its first innings. Sylhet replied with 535-8 declared, taking a huge 299-run lead, which eventually decided the course of the game.
In another match, a fine century of Sohag Gazi was not enough to save Barishal Division from a 63-run defeat to Mymensingh in the NCL at Sylhet Academy ground on Wednesday.
Chasing a victory target of 380, Barishal finally were bowled out for 316 with Sohag Gazi hammering 102 off 149.
Barishal resumed the Day 4, the final day of the game on 108-4, still needing 272 for a victory.
Zahiduzzaman and Tasamul Haque added 93 runs for the fourth wicket to lay a good platform after Barishal slumped to 23-4.
The partnership was broken when Tasamul who made 41 was trapped round out. Zahid followed him soon after making 80.
Sohag Gazi then rotated the scoreboard aggressively to keep Barishal in the hunt but when Asadullah Galib removed him, Barishal's defeat was ensured.
Electing to bat first, Mymensingh earlier put on 354 before being all out in the first innings and then took a handsome 137-run lead, bowling out Barishal for 217.
They, thereafter, declared the second innings on 242-9, setting Barishal a 380 for a victory.
The victory, however, put Mymensingh in the second spot of the point table, just behind Sylhet.
Meanwhile, Rayan Rahman hit a 54 not out as Dhaka Division eked out a draw against Khulna in their sixth round game of the NCL at Khulna Divisional Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a victory target of 165 on Day 4, the final day of the game, Dhaka were slumped to 26-3, before Rayan led the charge to help the side see off the day.
Dhaka eventually reached 123-6 at stumps to draw the game.
Resuming the day on 149-5, Khulna were bowled out for 280 with Imranuzzaman hitting 66 and Soumya Sarkar making 55. Captain Mohammad Mithun and Ziaur Rahman added 32 each.
Dhaka pacer Sumon Khan claimed 3-48 while Foysal Ahmed, Salahuddin Sakil and Taibur Rahman took two wickets apiece.
Earlier, electing to bat first, Khulna piled up 194 in the first innings but conceded a 116-run lead when Dhaka replied with 310 all out.