Mushfiqur scores 8, Sabbir 0

Nasir Hossain missed out what could have been his maiden first-class triple century by five runs at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna today.

The wily right-hander, resuming the fourth day on 270 for Rangpur against Barisal, was caught for 295. And understandably Rangpar declared their innings at 614-7 immediately after Nasir's dismissal in the first session of the day.

Although Nasir hogged the spot-light on final day in one of the three ongoing National Cricket League games, this round of the first-class competition turned out to be a disappoint for the national players as far as bating was concerned.

Opener Soumya Sarker, who played for Khulna, scored 30 against Dhaka in the game where the misfiring left-hander did not get the opportunity to bat for the second time as his side won by an innings and 49 runs.

Top-order batsman Liton Das's contribution to Rangpur's massive total was 43. More disappointing were Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman.

Resuming on 3 for Rajshahi against Dhaka Metro, Mushfiqur could add only five runs to his overnight total. Sabbir scored a five-ball duck. There might be one good reason that they had to sit out when their opening pair of Nazmul Hossain and Mizanur Rahman were batting out the whole day in a 300-plus stand on the Day 3.  

However, national off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz took a career-best 7-24 for Khulna in this round. Fellow left-arm spinner Taijul Islam picked up a five-for for Rajshahi.

Pace bowler Taskin Ahmed, who dismissed both Mushfiqur and Sabbir, took three wickets in a round where bat dominated the ball.

Three key players of the national team – new Test captain Shakib Al Hassan, his deputy Mahmudullah Riyad and opener Tamim Iqbal --- did not take part in this round of the NCL.