Match drawn in Sylhet

The three-day National Cricket League encounter between Sylhet and Rajshahi ended in a draw at the Sylhet Stadium yesterday. Rajshahi, however, managed two batting points by virtue of their massive 147-run first innings lead over the home side.

On the last day, Sylhet all-rounder Saifullah Maksi, who captured six wickets for 46 runs with his off spin in the first innings, scored a fantastic hundred to take his team to a huge 309 in their second innings.

Saifullah, the Pakistani recruit, scored 132, his second century of the league. He scored 173 against Chittagong in a first round match in November.

In his 214-ball innings, Saifullah blasted three sixes and 14 boundaries.

Rajshahi off spinner Imran Parvez was the most successful bowler of the day taking five wickets for 92 runs from his 32 overs while Medium pacer Mushfiqur Rahman, who captured seven wickets in the first innings for 33 runs completed a ten-wicket haul by bagging another three wickets for 50 runs.

Rajshahi, who scored 248 in their first innings, were on 59 for 3 when the match ended.

Mushfique, who also scored a magnificent 92 in the first innings, was rewarded with the man-of-the-match trophy for his awesome all-round performance.

With yesterday's two points, Rajshahi raised their account to eight on completion of their ten matches and occupied the fifth position while Sylhet, who have already secured the runners up spot, remained stuck to their previous collection of 22.