Day 2 of the final round of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) saw Sylhet Division stay on course for their second straight title, thanks to a brilliant century from captain Zakir Hasan, reports BSS.
Elsewhere, Anisul Islam narrowly missed a double century but still helped Dhaka Division maintain a commanding position, aiming for their first win of the season.
Among the bowlers, Sunzamul Islam and Sofor Ali stood out, both claiming five-wicket hauls to lead their sides.
Meanwhile, skipper Zakir Hasan led from the front as Sylhet Division remained on track
to take control against Barishal Division at Rajshahi Divisional Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Zakir, having opened the innings, was batting on 130 at stumps on Day 2, steering Sylhet to 214-5 in reply to Barishal's first-innings total of 312 all out. A victory in this match will secure Sylhet's second consecutive NCL title.
In another match, opener Anisul Islam narrowly missed a double century, but his 186 helped Dhaka Division reach a dominating position over Chattogram in the final round game of the 27th NCL at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Dhaka resumed Day 2 at 356-2, with Anisul on 183, but he could only add three more runs before being dismissed.
His overnight partner, Marshal Ayub, continued his strong form, finishing with 165, while Ashikur Rahman Shibli, who had retired due to injury, returned to complete his century.
When he reached exact 100, Dhaka declared their first innings at 541-6. Chattogram, unable to cope with the mounting pressure, faltered early, ending the day at 94-6 before bad light forced an early stumps.
Meanwhile, the game between Khulna and Rangpur is finely poised after a dramatic 16-
wicket day at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.
Resuming Day 2 at 302-9, Khulna were bowled out for 308 in their first innings, before seizing control of the match. Rangpur were bundled out for just 174, with Sofor Ali leading the charge with a brilliant 5-78. Mehedi Hasan Rana provided excellent support, taking 2-30 as Khulna dominated Rangpur's batting.
However, Rangpur fought back, reducing Khulna to 41-5 in their second innings by stumps. Despite the collapse, Khulna ended the day with an overall lead of 174 runs, leaving the match hanging in the balance.
In another match, left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam spun Mymensingh, by claiming figures of 5-18 to help Rajshahi Division take control at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
After Mymensingh resumed Day 2 at 73-2, Sunzamul's devastating spell led to their collapse, dismissing them for just 137 in their first innings.
His brilliant bowling which saw him grabbed his 27th five-for in the first class cricket gave Rajshahi a crucial 82-run lead after they were all out for 219 earlier in the day. Rajshahi extended their advantage in the second innings, reaching 210-6 at stumps, and now lead by 292 runs.
Rahim Ahmed was batting on 47 with Shakhir Hossain Shurvo on 30, having put on an unbeaten 85-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Pritom Kumar earlier contributed 40 runs.
