Arif leads Dhaka Metro to victory in NCL

Left-arm spinner Arif Ahmed claimed his career-best 5-43 as Dhaka Metro secured an 88-run victory over Sylhet Division in their first match of the 25th National Cricket League (NCL) at the Academy ground of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, reports BSS.

Chasing a target of 205, Sylhet were bowled out for just 116 on the final and fourth day of the match in the face of some quality spin bowling of Arif.

Metro which batted first were bowled out for 243 in its first innings but conceded eight-run lead when Sylhet put up 251 before being all out. They thereafter were bundled out for 212 in the second innings but left the ground with a victory, thanks to Arif.

Rony Talukder hit a century to help Dhaka Division edge past Rangpur Division by 23 runs at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Rony fought lonely as Dhaka were wrapped up for paltry 166 in the first innings. Rony alone made 102. Rangpur then took a 57-run lead being all out for 223 in reply.