Tons keep coming

The second day of the fourth round of the National Cricket League witnessed four centuries as batsmen kept piling on the runs.

Former national opener Nafees Iqbal stitched a cautious 108 for Chittagong at the BKSP and helped his side avoid follow-on against Barisal. Facing an uphill task after Barisal posted 597 in their first innings, Chittagong were bowled out for 339. Nafees was the top-scorer. Off-spinner Shohag Gazi was the key wicket-taker for Barisal as he ended up with figures of 5 for 133.

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Meanwhile at Fatullah, Khulna took a first innings lead against league leaders Dhaka as both Tushar Imran and Mithun Ali hammered centuries. Tushar had scored a double-century in the last game followed that emphatic performance with a resolute 158. He was ably supported by Mithun's 126. Together the players helped their side post 437 in response to Dhaka's 366. Khulna still have four wickets in hand and will be looking to build a comprehensive lead before declaring.

It was a run-fest at ground number three of BKSP as Rangpur's Naeem Islam followed Liton Kumar's 173 with an unbeaten 138. Naeem played a traditional slow and resolute innings and faced 275 balls. Rangpur declared after posting 527 runs for 6 wickets.

The match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium at Mirpur is the only one that hasn't witnessed a high scoring affair. A century from Shamsur Rahman helped Dhaka Metro finish the day on 264 for 8. While Shamsur scored a 103, the rest of the players failed to support him. With just a little bit more than innings to in this match against Sylhet, a result is likely within the next two days.

Scores in brief

BARISAL: 597 for 9 declared and 53 for 2 (Abdulah 29 not out; Nasum 1-14, Shohag 1-32) v CHITTAGONG: 339 all out in 121 overs (Nafees 108, Irfaan 52; Shohag 5-133)

DHAKA: 366 v KHULNA: 437 for 6 (Tushar 158, Mithun 126; Shahadat 2-62, Sharif 2-142)

RAJSHAHI: 263 and 85 for 1 (Mizanur 32 not out; Sohrawardi 1-13) v RANGPUR: 527 for 6 declared (Liton 173, Naeem 138 not out; Muktar 2-78)

DHAKA METRO: 264 and 264 for 8 (Shamsur 103; Nabil 6-59) v SYLHET: 171 all out in 61.2 overs (Nazmul 39; Elias 4-38, Sharifullah 3-49)