Dhaka Division secured its first victory in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) as they clinched a nine-wicket win over Khulna Division in their fifth round game at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in the city on Monday, reports BSS.
Dhaka earlier drew their first four matches, meaning they are yet to suffer a defeat in the league.
Dhaka's victory in this match was sealed when they were set just 104-run target for victory. They reached the winning mark, losing one wicket in 17.2 overs to complete the victory inside three days.
Khulna veteran Imrul Kayes, who played 39 Test matches for Bangladesh, retired from the Test and first class cricket after this match.
Dhaka, however, denied Kayes a winning farewell. Opener Rony Talukdar hammered 54 ball-62 not out with eight fours and three sixes to seal the deal. Ariful Islam was unbeaten on 42.
Rony and Ariful propelled the side to the home by sharing 104 runs for an unbeaten second wicket stand after Joyraj Sheik was dismissed in the first ball of the day.
Khulna earlier were bundled out for 172 runs in their first innings and took 10-run lead by wrapping up Dhaka for 160 runs. But they were skittled out for just 91 runs in the second innings, paving the way for their first defeat in the league.
Khulna so far won one, lost one and drew three matches in five games.
On the other hand, Chattogram sealed its second straight victory in the ongoing National Cricket League after romping to a crushing nine-wicket win over Rajshahi Division at their home venue at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
Chasing a victory target of 81, Chattogram reached 83-1 in 17.2 overs on Day 3 of the game with Sadikur Rahman leading the charge with 47 not out. Sazzadul Hoque Ripon was not out on 17. Parvez Hossain Emon was the only batter to be out on 16.
Earlier, resuming the day at 202-8, Rajshahi were bowled out for just 220. Sabbir Hosan was top-scorer with 54 while Shakhir Hossain Shuvro made 47.
Offspinner Nayeem Hasan took all the fallen two wickets of Rajshahi on Day 3 to take his tally to three wickets. Ahmed Sharif scalped 5-55 while Irfan Hossain took
2-42.
