Runs galore in stalemates
The fourth-round matches of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) ended in a run-fest as four batsmen--run-machine Tushar Imran, Liton Das, Afif Hossain and Mizanur Rahman -- slammed hundreds on the final day. The last day did not produce any drama despite the fact that Central Zone enforced the follow-on against North Zone as the latter bounced back strongly in their second innings through opener Mizanur Rahman's unbeaten hundred to share honours at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.
The match between South Zone and East Zone at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium also ended in a draw, but not before some good batting from Tushar, Liton and Afif. Tushar however hogged all the spotlight by making a third consecutive century in the competition with a hamstring injury. The 34-year-old right-hander seems intent on setting a record in domestic cricket that subsequent generations of batsmen will need to toil hard to match, let alone break. On way to his 28th first-class hundred Tushar, who resumed the day on 46, struck 12 fours and two sixes during his 145-ball 103 as South Zone declared their second innings on 311 for seven two overs after the lunch break to set a 415-run winning target.
Kamrul Islam provided an early breakthrough, removing Imtiaz Hossain, but the 205-run undefeated second-wicket partnership between Liton Das -- who scored 113 off 129 balls with 11 fours and four sixes -- and Afif Hossain, who hit 100 off 131 balls with 10 fours and three sixes, ensured a drawn match.
South Zone managed nine bonus points to stay in third spot with 38 points while East Zone got six bonus points to maintain their position in second place with 39 points.
At Bogura, North Zone's first innings folded on 300 within the first six overs of the day after they had resumed on 286 for seven. That allowed Central Zone skipper Mahmudullah Riyad to enforce the follow on, but a 154-run second-wicket stand between Mizanur Rahman and Nazmul Hossain made sure that there would be no drama. Mizanur scored an unbeaten 100 off 191 balls while Nazmul added 89 off 152 balls as North scored 213 for two before the stumps were drawn for the final day.
Despite Central Zone securing 10 points, they stayed in bottom place on 29 points while North retained top spot with 41 points after notching seven points from the fourth round.
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