Al-Amin back to business

Bangladesh pacer Al-Amin Hossain returned to competitive cricket yesterday following his departure from the national team in the World Cup as he was included by Khulna in their game against Dhaka Metro at the BKSP on the first day of the fifth round of the National Cricket League.

The pacer, who was sent back home from Australia due to disciplinary issues, didn't get a chance to come on the field yesterday as Abdur Razzak and company opted to bat first against Dhaka Metro.

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Razzak's decision to bat first paid dividends as opener Mehedi Hasan scored a sublime 140 to take his side to a comfortable 299 for 5 by the end of the day yesterday. He was well supported by Tushar Imran, who scored 69.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Rakibul Hasan scored a century in a crucial clash between reigning champions Dhaka and league leaders Rangpur. Although both of Dhaka's in-form openers, Rony Talukdar and Abdul Majid, failed to get a move on, a 90 from Jony Talukdar and an unbeaten 115 from Rakibul helped Dhaka finish the day on 294 for 6.

Meanwhile at Fatullah, Rajin Saleh posted a cautious 72 to help Sylhet reach 214 for 3 by the end of the day yesterday. A half-century from the bat of Shohag Gazi in ground number two at the BKSP saved Barisal's blushes as they were bundled out for just 235 yesterday. Had it not been for the former national player's effort, the side would have been in further pressure against Rajshahi yesterday. After the exchange, Rajshahi lost one wicket and scored 32 runs.

The NCL is headed for a close finish as the top three teams are separated by one point each at the moment. Rangpur top the league with 87 points. Khulna and Dhaka have 86 and 85 points respectively.

Scores in brief

BARISAL: 235 all out in 78 overs (Shohag 59, Saif 41; Saqlain 5-81) v RAJSHAHI: 32 for 1 (Mizanur 21; Kamrul 1-14)

KHULNA: 299 for 5(Mehedi 140, Tushar 69; Sharif 2-82) v DHAKA METRO

SYLHET: 214 for 3 (Rajin 72, Imtiaz 43; Moniruzzaman 2-30) v CHITTAGONG

DHAKA: 294 for 6 (Rakibul 115 not out, Jony 90; Shubasish 2-49, Sohrawardi 2-63) v RANGPUR