Two Dhakas on top

Dhaka's Rony Talukder celebrates his double-century on the second day of the four-day National Cricket League match against Barisal in Mirpur yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

Rony Talukdar's run-fest continued as the Dhaka right-hander hit his maiden double century to slander Barisal at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Resuming the day on 103, the promising 24-year-old batsman ended with 227 runs, while out-of-favour Rokibul Hasan scored 145 as Dhaka declared their first innings at 591 for four with a 452-run lead on the second day of their National Cricket League game. Dhaka began the day at 180 for no loss.

The writing was on the wall for Barisal, who were bundled out for a meagre 139 runs in their first innings, and they will have to surmount a huge task when their second innings begins today.

During his nearly six-hour stay in the middle, Rony smashed 26 fours and three sixes, while Rokibul smote 12 fours and two sixes.

The BKSP also witnessed a big score from veteran campaigner Tushar Imran who was not out on 177 runs before Khulna declared their first innings at 536 for 8, after resuming the day on 280 for four. Nurul Hasan contributed 115 in the run-riot.

The day was more satisfying for Khulna as they picked up four Sylhet wickets, thanks to pacer Robiul Islam who took two wickets as Sylhet finished the day on 86 for 4.

At Fatullah, the bowlers put Rangpur on top against Chittagong. Rangpur managed a notable 192-run first innings lead after Chittagong were bundled out for just 107 runs.

Pacer Shuvashis Roy was the highest wicket-taker with three, but Bishwant Halder and Ariful Haque played their part too, taking two wickets each to initiate the Chittagong collapse.

At another ground of BKSP, Dhaka Metro took control of the match after dismissing Rajshahi for 218 runs. Dhaka Metro managed an 84-run first innings lead and then finished the day on 115 for three in their second innings to take the overall lead to 199.

Young paceman Mohammad Shohid and spinner Sharifullah claimed three wickets each to put Metro on top.

Scores in brief

BARISAL: 139 all out in 50.3 overs
DHAKA: 591 for 4 declared in 128.4 overs (Abdul 76, Rony 227, Rokibul 145, Taiabur 85, Shuvagoto 40)

KHULNA: 536 for 8 declared in 156 overs (Amit 60, Imrul 63, Tushar 177 not out, Mithun 57, Nurul 115; Sadiqur 3-108, Kapali 3-76)
SYLHET: 86 for 4 in 22 overs (Sayem 44, Enamul 23; Robiul 2-7)
DHAKA METRO: 302 all out and 115 for 3 in 29.4 overs (Saykat 46, Mehedi 46; Saqlain 3-47)
RAJSHAHI: 218 all out in 62.5 overs (Junaed 55, Zubair 54; Shohid 3-86, Sharifullah 3-84)

RANGPUR: 269 all out in 112.5 overs
CHITTAGONG: 107 all out in 59.3 overs (Irfaan 32; Shuvashis 3-37, Bishwant 2-1, Ariful 2-32)