Edge for Dhaka

Holders Dhaka almost confirmed a berth in the Ispahani Mirzapore Tea National Cricket League four-day final after taking a 98-run first innings lead against Chittagong at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium yesterday.

On the second day of the four day play-off, left arm spinner Arafat Sunny took six wickets as Dhaka, who scored 295 in the first, bowled out Chittagong for 197 in just 67.5 overs.

The tweaker conceded 48 runs in his 17 overs to destroy the backbone of the port city team.

He was ably assisted by off spinner Fahim Muntasir who bagged three for 63 runs.

Former Bangladesh skipper Akram Khan was the only one who put up some resistance with a brilliant 93 that came in 179 minutes with 15 boundaries.

Opener Anisul Hakim (25) and middle order Azam Iqbal (28) were the other notable run-getters.

Dhaka, in their second innings scored 58 for two in 21 overs taking the overall lead to 156 with eight wickets in hand.

Opener Rashedul Haque was batting on 43.

SCORES IN BRIEF

DHAKA: First innings 295 all out in 96.1 overs (Javed 60, Jahangir 51, Mazharul 32, Kadir 31, Sabbir 5-102)

CHITTAGONG: First innings 197 all out in 67.5 overs (Akram 93, Azam 28, Anisul 25, Arafat 6-48, Fahim 3-62)

DHAKA: Second innings 58 for 2 in 21 overs (Rashedul 43 n.o., Jahangir 11, Suja 1-7)