Dhaka Metro boosted by Sunny’s six

♦ Dhaka Metro's Arafat Sunny bagged his 19th first-class five-wicket haul, ending with figures of six for 87 from his 39.5 overs. The 33-year-old accounted for all the last five Chattogram batsmen.

♦ Dhaka Division's middle-order batsman Taibur Rahman fought a lone battle against Rajshahi and scored an unbeaten 88 that helped his side post a competitive first-innings total. The left-hander scored a majority of his runs while batting with tail-enders..

Left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny bagged six wickets as Dhaka Metropolis fought back to bowl Chattogram Division out for 290 on the second day of the opening round of the National Cricket League at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

In reply, Dhaka Metro lost openers Shadman Islam (8) and Rakin Ahmed (6) early but skipper Marshall Ayub (21 not out) and Shamsur Rahman (26 not out) held the ship together and ended the day on 66 for two, still trailing by 224 runs.

Resuming the day on a healthy 147 for three, Chattogram's Pinak Ghosh was dismissed by pacer Shahidul Islam after adding just two to his overnight score of 30. The other overnight batsman Tasamul Haque added 67 runs with Mahidul Islam for the fifth wicket, but then it was the experienced Sunny who took charge as he broke the partnership by removing the latter for 30.

The 33-year-old then rattled through Chattogram's batting order and picked all remaining five wickets, including Tasamul who was bowled after scoring a team high of 90 off 249 balls. It was Sunny's 19th first-class five-wicket haul and he ended with six for 87 from 39.5 overs.

In Fatullah, Rajshahi were trailing Dhaka Division's first-innings score of 240 by 67 runs with four wickets in hand at the close. The reliable Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored as Rajshahi posted 173 for six.

Dhaka pacer Sumon Khan was on a roll as he removed the top three Rajshahi batsmen in Mizanur Rahman (1), Junaid Siddique (2) and Avishek Mitra (6). Rajshahi were struggling on 14 for three before skipper Jahurul Islam and Mushfiqur added 121 for the fourth wicket.

Mushfiqur was eventually dismissed by off-spinner Shuvagata Hom after scoring 75 off 116 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes. Rajshahi once again lost their way with the bat with national player Sabbir Rahman scoring just 11. Jahurul was unbeaten on 57 runs and will have to carry Rajshahi's hopes on the third day.

Earlier, resuming on 143 for seven, Dhaka's overnight batsman Taibur Rahman top-scored with an unbeaten 123-ball 88 that featured nine fours and a six, an instrumental hand in his side posting a challenging total.

National left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bagged four, pacer Shafiul Islam took three and Forhad Reza picked up two wickets for Rajshahi.

At the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, Rangpur posted 169 for five against hosts Khulna after the first day was washed out without a ball being bowled. After a delayed start due to a wet outfield, Rangpur lost wickets at regular intervals with Naeem Islam top-scoring with 48. Tanbir Hayder (40 not out) and Sohrawardi Shuvo (31 not out) will resume the third day.

In Rajshahi too, play started late yesterday after the first day was washed out on Thursday. Sylhet posted 68 for three in the 31 overs of play possible against Barishal yesterday.

Barishal pacer Kamrul Islam removed both openers Imtiaz Hossain (6) and Tawfik Khan (16) before Zakir Hasan (32 not out) and skipper Alok Kapali (8 not out) batted till the close.

SCORES IN BRIEF

CHATTOGRAM V DHAKA METRO

Chattogram: First innings 290 all-out (Tasamul 90, Sadiqur 51, Sunny 6-87, Mahmudullah 3-40)

Dhaka Metro: First innings 66 for 2 in 24 overs ( Shamsur 26 not out, Marshall 21 not out) trails by 224 runs

DHAKA V RAJSHAHI

Dhaka: First innings 240 all-out (Taibur 88 not out ; Taijul 4-92, Shafiul 3-43) 

Rajshahi: First innings 173 for 6 in 66 overs ( Mushfiqur 75, Jahurul 57 not out; Sumon 3-40) trails by 67 runs

RANGPUR V KHULNA 

Rangpur: First innings 169 for 5 in 72 overs ( Naeem 48, Tanbir 40 not out; Al Amin 2-44, Razzak 2-51) 

SYLHET V BARISHAL

Sylhet: First innings 68 for 3 in 31 overs ( Zakir 32 not out; Kamrul 2-13)