NCL starts with bowlers’ domination

Bowlers dominated the opening day of the 24th National Cricket League (NCL) as the trend of low-scoring affairs continued in the first-class competition across four venues in the country yesterday.

In Tier 1 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, defending champions Dhaka Division took a first innings lead of 30 runs and will resume the second day on 122 for 5 after Rangpur were restricted to 92 for nine in their first innings, courtesy of Dhaka pacer Sumon Khan's fifer.

After being sent to bat, Rangpur were reeling on 37 for six with Naeem Islam forced to retire hurt. Ariful Haque remained unbeaten on 34 runs.

In the other Tier 1 game, Tigers' ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal featured for Chattogram, top-scoring with 31 runs before they were bundled out for 141 in their first innings against Sylhet.

It was Sylhet's left-arm spinner Nabil Samad who did the damage, picking up his 16th five-wicket haul in first-class competition. Sylhet, trailing by 126 runs, will resume the second day on 15 for nought.

Hosts Khulna were all-out for just 131 runs in their first innings after being sent to bat by Dhaka Metro in the Tier 2 game at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium. In reply, Sylhet ended the day at 37 for three, trailing by 94 runs.

Barishal posted 269 for nine, courtesy of fifties from Sohag Gazi and Abu Sayem Chowdhury against Rajshahi in the other Tier 2 game. Nahid Rana bagged four while Sunzamul Islam took two wickets for Rajshahi.