NCL sees 23 wickets fall in one day!

A total of 23 wickets fell on the opening day of the National Cricket League Tier 2 game between Khulna Division and Dhaka Metropolis at the BKSP-3 ground in Savar on Monday.

Khulna, after being sent to bat, were bundled out for just 64 runs, courtesy of a collective bowling performance from Dhaka. Right-arm seamer AKS Swadhin led Dhaka's bowling attack, bagging four wickets. 

In reply, Dhaka also faced the music and was bundled out for 118 runs with a first-innings lead of 54 runs. It was off-spinner Mahedi Hasan who shone with the ball for Khulna as he bagged his fifth first-class fifer while Dhaka skipper Marshall Ayub top-scored for his side with a 30-run knock.

Coming in to bat for the second time on the day, Khulna once again found themselves in a spot of bother as they could reach eight for the loss of three wickets at stumps. 

In the other Tier 2 game at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna, unbeaten centuries from Jahurul Islam and Junaid Siddique helped Rajshahi to post 242 without loss at the stumps against Barishal.

Jahurul remained not out on 127 off 234 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. Junaid, meanwhile, was unbeaten on 109 off 306 deliveries, featuring 13 boundaries.

In Tier 1, Dhaka Division took a 99-run lead in their second innings against Rangpur in what was yet another action-packed first day's play at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.

Playing just his second first-class game, left-arm seamer Sohel Rana bagged his maiden fifer to help Rangpur bundle out Dhaka for 84 runs. 

Ariful Haque bagged three while Abdullah Al Mamun picked up two wickets as only two Dhaka batters were able to reach double-figure marks.

However, despite posting a small total, Dhaka managed to bundle out Rangpur for just 73 runs. Pacer Sumon Khan picked up five wickets while another seamer, Salauddin Sakil, took three wickets.

Dhaka, in reply, reached 88 without loss in their second innings at the stumps. Fifty-up Mahidul Islam and Abdul Mazid, on 33, will resume the second day for Dhaka.

At the other Tier 1 game, hosts Sylhet posted 351 for four at stumps riding on skipper Zakir Hasan's unbeaten hundred against Chattogram.

The wicketkeeper-batter smashed his 12th first-class ton and remained not out on 132 off 191 balls. He struck 12 fours and a six during his knock while opener Towfiq Khan scored a quick 68 off 63 balls.