'Hard for North to bat out two days'

"It's very simple -- we have to win the match and we are in a position to make it happen," said Imrul Kayes, who struck a hundred to ensure South Zone's much-needed batting bonus on the second day of their Bangladesh Cricket League title-deciding battle against North Zone in Khulna yesterday. With a 178-run first innings lead, South Zone not only confirmed eight bonus points -- cutting North's lead down to seven points -- but also put North Zone in a position from which they need a miracle.

"The third day is very important. We have so far achieved everything as per our plan and if we can bowl well tomorrow it will be possible to dismiss North quickly. I don't think it would be possible for a team to bat two days here, so we have to make sure that they don't take a big lead if they ultimately overcome the deficit," said the left-hander. North finished the second day on 32 without loss, still 146 runs behind.

Imrul scored 107 off 167 balls with 13 fours and two sixes, but he was not fully content. "I could have added more runs but the ball jumped [from Forhad Reza to take the edge and reach the safe hands of wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh]. In the morning session it was not that easy to bat but the wicket got better later. The ball kept low but it's still good for batting. But as there is some turn there is a good chance of getting a result from this match."

Imrul also credited the contribution of opener Anamul Haque, with whom he added 184 runs for second wicket stand.