42 all out: Sumon's hattrick helps skittle Rajshahi for lowest NCL total

Dhaka Division pacer Sumon Khan delivered a seven-wicket haul in a sixth-round National Cricket League (NCL) fixture in Bogura yesterday, ripping through Rajshahi Division's batting line-up to register the lowest-ever total in the competition's history.

An astonishing 21 wickets fell on the opening day, with Sumon dismantling the top four batters before cleaning up the tail with a hattrick -- making him the 17th bowler to achieve the milestone in the country's first-class cricket, which has seen 20 such instances.

Sumon's exploits resulted in figures of 7.5-2-18-7, as Rajshahi were skittled out for just 42 in 20.5 overs, surpassing Barishal Division's previous low of 46 against Khulna Division last year.

In reply, Dhaka were restricted to 182 despite an 85-run stand by openers Jishan Alam and Rony Talukdar. At stumps, Rajshahi were 18 for one.

Meanwhile, in Cox's Bazar, Mohammad Naim's unbeaten 153 powered Dhaka Metro to a dominant 276 for two against Rangpur, who used 10 bowlers across 82 overs at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground.

Naim's knock featured 16 boundaries and a six as he forged a 198-run partnership for the second wicket with wicketkeeper-batter Tahjibul Islam (73).

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (SICS), Barishal Division posted 258 for seven in 79 overs against Sylhet, courtesy of a solid 78 off 199 balls by opener Abdul Majid. Sylhet's pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja claimed three wickets.

Elsewhere, in Sylhet, off-spinner Nayeem Hasan starred with a five-for for Chattogram in their encounter against Khulna Division, who were bowled out for 204 in 74 overs, courtesy of opener Amit Majumder's 75 off 199 balls.

In reply, Chattogram openers saw through nine overs, scoring 31 at the SICS Academy Ground.