Rajshahi gather steam

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The title chase just got hotter with Rajshahi threatening to go for the jugular after comprehensive victories in rounds seven and eight. Such was their dominance that both Chittagong and Dhaka were floored at home and, with two more games remaining till the season's curtains, it looks increasingly likely that Rajshahi will have the last laugh as they are due to host last-placed Sylhet and a lacklustre Khulna at the Divisional Stadium. Plucky Barisal are only two points behind after a hard-fought draw in round eight but their next opponents are the unpredictable Chittagong and Dhaka.
Losing to Rajshahi was a massive blow to Dhaka, who are 19 points behind the leaders at third position, and seemingly out of contention. The next round of matches will have further significance with the national stars available for their divisional sides and for the players it will be an opportunity to catch the eyes of the selectors and get a spot in the Bangladesh squad which will be announced after the round is over.
Rajshahi's success owes much to their allround commitment; they may lack the dashers and elegant strokemakers yet nevertheless get a result when it matters. This season they lost Farhad Reza to the ICL, Junaid Siddique to international commitments, while Khaled Mashud has lost his touch.
One player to have really stepped up is Suhrawadi Shuvo. His 56 was crucial in Rajshahi getting 240 in the first innings and then he bagged a five-for as Chittagong were humbled by eight wickets in round seven. This week he took 2 for 13 as Dhaka were bundled out for 142 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
Before Shuvo's parsimonious spell it was pacer Delwar Hossain who did the damage with 5 for 45. The opener Jahurul Islam fell 17 short of a deserved ton but once again the irrepressible Shuvo stole the show with 85 to give Rajshahi a 141-run lead. By lunch on day three Dhaka were in deep trouble at 49 for 4 with captain Javed Omar, who had braved illness to make 112 from No. 7 against Sylhet in an earlier round, out for 9. Fresh from his 103 against Sylhet, Mahmudullah Riyad justified his promotion to No. 5 and added 99 with the free-stroking Shamsur Rahman (49). He made 105 and Dhaka were bowled out for 256, Delwar completing ten wickets in the match with with 5 for 60. Needing 116, Rajshahi cruised to the target in 24 overs with Jahurul hitting an unbeaten 68. — Cricinfo