South Zone inch closer
Both Mithun Ali and Shahriar Nafees fell agonisingly close to their respective three-figure marks as Prime Bank South Zone were bundled out for 385 in Chittagong on Day 2 of the final round of Bangladesh Cricket League yesterday.
In reply, Islami Bank East Zone finished the day on 159 for 3, with opener Shadman Islam unbeaten on 86.
Selectors would have breathed a sigh of relief as pacer Abul Hasan took three wickets yesterday. With Rubel Hossain and Shafiul Islam uncertain for the first Test, the selectors have been desperately looking for a replacement. While Abul is in the preliminary squad, the bowler hasn't been in the best of forms. However, his three-wicket burst yesterday might just help him gain the selectors' confidence.
While Abul may have taken wickets, the day however, belonged to young opener Shadman, who carried his bat throughout. East had crumbled to 93 for 3. However, Shadman remained composed at one end. He hit 13 fours and will be looking to reach yet another century this year.
The winners of this game will win the BCL title. However, at the moment the match is headed towards a draw. In case of a draw, the number of bonus points will come into play. Since South, who currently have secured 35 points and top the table, have scored 385 within 110 overs, as per the bylaws they will be awarded four bonus points. East, who currently have 32 points, on the contrary will receive three points for bowling out the opposition.
At the same time, South scalped three wickets in their second innings and as a result received another point. At the end of Day 2, South have a total of 40 points while East have 35. For East to remain alive in this game, they will not only need to take a lead but also score more than 400 runs within 110 overs and not lose more than five wickets.
At the moment, the scenario seems improbable and South are likely to walk away with the title.
The other game in Mirpur is bound for a more exciting finish as the match entered its third innings. With an overnight score of 278 for 8, Walton Central Zone could add only 11 runs to the score before being bundled out by BCB North Zone.
In reply, though, North were bowled out for just 287 right before stumps. Pacer Shahidul Islam scalped impressive figures of 4 for 55 while off-spinner Shuvagata Hom took a five-wicket haul.
Scores in brief
SOUTH ZONE: 385 all out in 109.2 overs (Shahriar 96, Mithun 95; Abul 3-31, Nazmul 3-78) v EAST ZONE: 159 for 3 (Shadman 86 not out; Shohag 2-39)
CENTRAL ZONE: 289 and 20 for 2 (Abdul 10 not out; Delwar 1-2, Mahmudul 1-4) v NORTH ZONE: 287 all out in 71.5 overs (Sabbir 75, Farhad 67; Shahidul 4-55, Shuvagata 5-78)
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