Bowlers held sway over batters in yesterday's proceedings as the second-round matches of the National Cricket League (NCL) kicked off across the country.

As many as 17 wickets fell at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla as Rangpur Division were bundled out for 119 by Dhaka Metro in the tier-1 game, despite the early 56-run stand between the openers Mehedi Maruf and Robiul Islam. Once Mehedi fell for a team-high 34, Rangpur innings crumbled to pace as Shohidul Islam picked up four for 25 while Abu Haider Rony bagged two.

In reply, Mohammad Naim got a start for Dhaka Metro but did not capitalise, falling for 22. Marshal Ayub's 45 and Rony Talukdar's 31-ball 35 saw Dhaka Metro reach 161 for seven at stumps.

Pacer Sumon Khan's five-wicket haul for 47 for Dhaka was the highlight at Bogra's Shaheed Chandu Stadium in the other tier-1 game. Sylhet were bowled out for 212 despite Zakir Hasan's gritty 85. Coming in to open, Zakir continued his NCL form and stuck around till the 60th over while wickets fell around him. His 158-ball 85 was the best amongst batters in yesterday's fixtures. Dhaka, in reply, reached 24 without loss at stumps.

At Rajshahi's Shaheed AHM Kamruzzaman Stadium, Barishal's left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam bagged a five-for in a tier-2 game against Rajshahi. Sabbir Rahman's 57 and Meherob Hasan's 65 were the saving grace as Rajshahi managed 209 all out. Barishal reached 34 for one at day's end.

Elsewhere, at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Mominul Haque managed 46 while Shamim Hossain struck 50 but big runs were not on offer as Chattogram were bundled out for 242. Soumya Sarkar and Nahidul Islam scalped two each while the former disappointed with the bat before Khulna reached 20 for one at close of play.