Rajshahi Division opener Sabbir Hossain struck his second century in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL), but his side could only manage 226 runs in their first innings on the opening day of the final round match against champions Sylhet Division in Chattogram on Saturday.

Sabbir scored 116 off 137 balls and shared a 109-run opening stand with Habibur Rahman (57). However, Sylhet pacer Sofor Ali, playing his first game this season, claimed his maiden five-wicket haul with figures of 5-69, while fellow pacer Tofael Ahmed took 4-40, triggering a batting collapse in Rajshahi's innings after they opted to bat first. Sylhet ended the day at 49 for two.

At the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, fifties from Sohag Gazi (78 not out) and Fazle Mahmud (64) helped Barishal post 289 runs in their first innings against Dhaka Division after being sent in to bat. Dhaka did not open their account, facing only one over before stumps.

Meanwhile, at Rajshahi's Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium, Dhaka Metro finished day one at 161-3, taking a one-run lead after bowling out Chattogram Division for 160 in the first innings.

Left-arm spinners Rakibul Hasan and Arif Ahmed took four wickets each, dismantling the Chattogram batting line-up, which lasted only 45.2 overs after opting to bat first.

Elsewhere, on a rain-affected opening day in Khulna, Khulna Division, sent in to bat first, reached 79-2 against Rangpur Division after only 25 overs were possible at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. Khulna opener Anamul Haque Bijoy remained unbeaten on 50.