Dhaka in cruise control

Leaders Dhaka are headed towards their third consecutive innings win in the National Cricket League yesterday. By stumps on Day Three, their opponents Chittagong trailed them by 216 runs. After the exploits from Rony Talukdar and Abdul Majid, Shuvagata Hom joined in the fun at the BKSP and became the third batsman to score a century in the innings. The batsman, who had an overnight score of 89, posted 119 before getting bowled. Dhaka had declared after putting up a mammoth 616.
After the exchange, Chittagong lost both their openers for ducks and it seemed as though they would lose the game within three days. However, a 187-run stand for the third wicket between centurion Tasamul Haque and Irfaan Sukur, delayed the inevitable. They finished the day on 245 for 6.
Sylhet fought hard in the day's other game at the BKSP, but failed to avoid the follow-on. Starting the day at 96 for 4, Sylhet rode on Alok Kapali and Roman Ahmed's half-centuries to post 324. Rajshahi slow left-armer Sanjamul Islam, who scalped a five-for, was the key destroyer. After the follow on was enforced, Sylhet cruised to 42 for no loss.
Elias Sunny was the hero of the day at Fatullah as his seven-wicket haul helped bowl Barisal out for just 261. Barisal, who began the day on 141 for no loss, would have expected to put on a lot more. The seven wicket haul now puts Dhaka Metro in a good position to win the game. They ended the day on 193 for 4 and currently have a 332-run lead.
A fierce burst from left-arm pacer Mostafizur Rahman at Mirpur ran through Rangpur's middle order and ensured a probable comeback for Khulna. Rangpur were restricted to 218 for 8 and have a healthy 315-run lead.

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Scores in brief

CHITTAGONG: 155 and 245 for 6 (Tasamul 114, Irfaan 74; Mosharraf 3-68) v DHAKA: 616 for 5 (Rony 201, Abdul 113, Shuvagata 119; Nayeem 2-68)

DHAKA METRO: 400 and 193 for 4 (Shadman 69 not out, Asif 53; Shohag 1-43) v BARISAL: 261 all out in 82 overs (Shahriar 91, Saif 63; Elias 7-73)

RANGPUR: 310 and 218 for 8 (Tanvir 83, Dhiman 61; Mostafizur 4-33) v KHULNA: 213

RAJSHAHI: 482 v SYLHET: 324 all out in 109.2 overs (Alok 82, Roman 78; Sanjamul 5-84) and 42 without loss