Dhaka thrash Chattogram for winning end

BSS, Dhaka :

Dhaka Division secured their first victory of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) in a commanding fashion, crushing Chattogram by an innings and 192 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

The win, which looked inevitable after Dhaka declared their first innings at a massive 541-6, came inside three days as expected.

Resuming on Day 3 at 94-6, Chattogram were bowled out for 158 in their first innings. The pacer trio of Ripon Mondol, Sumon Khan, and Salahuddin Shakib were the architects of Chattogram’s downfall, each claiming three wickets.

With a substantial 358-run lead, Dhaka wasted no time in enforcing the follow-on. However, Chattogram’s struggles with the bat continued in their second innings. Despite resistance from No. 8 batter Hasan Murad, who made a quickfire 52 off 32 balls, Chattogram were bowled out for just 192.

Irfan Shukkur, who had top-scored with 43 in the first innings, contributed 31 in the second, while Nayeem Hasan added 37.

Left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Apu was the pick of the performer in the second innings, ripping through Chattogram’s batting line-up with figures of 3-54. Sumon Khan and Ripon Mondol also played key roles, taking two wickets each.

Earlier, Dhaka’s dominance with the bat was led by three centurions-Anisul Islam, who scored a brilliant 186, Marshall Ayub with a well-made 165, and Ashikur Rahman Shibli, who remained unbeaten on 100, propelling their team to a commanding total.

Dhaka finally ended the league with one victory, one defeat and five draws.