A barren day in NCL

The staple of the National Cricket League so far has been the barrage of centuries that have been hit everyday. Whether it was Rony Talukder notching up one century after another or Alok Kapali's double-ton, an illustrious batting display was almost guaranteed every single day. Yesterday however, the winds shifted direction.

As rain poured across four venues, the dampness was evident, even in the batsmen's performances. Barisal started their innings against Rajshahi at the BKSP on 59 for two. Al-Amin was the highlight, blasting his way to a run-a-ball 67, smashing 11 fours and a six after Mosaddek Hossain added 88. Barisal ended the day at 338 for seven, with three players reaching 50.

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At Fatullah, chasing Sylhet's mammoth total of 507 that prospered on Kapali's unbeaten 211, Chittagong stumbled after resuming the third day on 45 for one. None of their players could make any noticeable contributions as they limped to 157 for six at the end of the day with a follow-on looming.

Away at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Rangpur began the day on 231-5 but managed to add only 70 runs before being bowled out by Dhaka. Dhaka's openers Rony Talukder and Abul Mazid, who scored tons of runs in the first few rounds, failed again after no show in the first innings. Mazid departed for 11 before Rony Talukder was lbw on 21. Dhaka were 63-2 stumps, a lead of 92 runs going into the fourth and final day today.

Scores in brief

BARISAL :  235 and 338/7 (Rabbi 75, Mossaddek 88,  Al-Amin(2) 67 not out; Sanjamul 3-116) v RAJSHAHI:  247 all out in 84.2 overs

KHULNA:  416 and 26/0(Imrul 12 not out, Mehedi 10 not out) v DHAKA METRO:  341 all out in 119 overs ( Mehrab Jr. 81, Shamsur 64; Razzak 5-135)

SYLHET:  507 for 8 dec v CHITTAGONG:  157 for 6 (Nazim 48, Nafees 27;  Sadiqur 3-48)

DHAKA:  335 and 63 for 2 ( Jony 21 not out; Ariful  1-15) v RANGPUR: 306 all out in 97.3 overs (Dhiman 81,Ariful 68; Shahadat 4-86,Sharif 4-64)