Rony blitz seals Central Zone win in match marred by umpiring controversy

Abu Haider Rony produced a stunning counterattack after Central Zone’s top-order faltered, guiding his side to a five-wicket win over East Zone in a Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) clash overshadowed by umpiring controversy on Thursday.

Chasing 238 at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, Central Zone — led by Mahidul Islam Ankon — reached the target with 27 balls to spare, thanks largely to Rony’s explosive half-century and a composed knock from Mohammad Naim Sheikh.

East Zone captain Yasir Ali Chowdhury Rabbi expressed frustration over umpiring decisions in both innings. He was visibly angry after being given out in the first innings, and later protested during a disputed caught-behind appeal while his side were fielding.

After being sent in to bat, East Zone made a brisk start through Parvez Hossain Emon, who struck 27 off 22 balls, while Zakir Hasan added 45 from 51 deliveries. However, neither Amit Hasan (26 off 42) nor the middle-order could convert their starts.

Mominul Haque and Yasir steadied the innings with a 61-run stand for the fourth wicket before controversy struck in the 34th over. Yasir, on 37, attempted a six off Saif Hassan but was caught near the boundary by Rakibul Hasan. Replays suggested Rakibul’s foot may have been in contact with the boundary rope, which would have resulted in six runs, but in the absence of a TV umpire, the on-field officials upheld the dismissal. Yasir argued with the fourth umpire, but to no avail.

East Zone then stumbled, with Shamim Hossain Patwary dismissed for nought and Mominul departing for 34, leaving them in danger of being bowled out for under 200. Late contributions from Nayeem Hasan (26 off 47), Syed Khaled Ahmed (13) and Musfik Hasan (11) lifted them to 237.

Rakibul impressed with the ball for Central Zone, claiming 3 for 27 in his 10 overs.

In reply, Central Zone lost Saif early, while Mahfizul Islam Robin (29), Ankon (12) and Ariful Islam (21) failed to build on promising starts. Naim, however, anchored the chase.

Another flashpoint came in the 33rd over when East Zone made a strong caught-behind appeal against Ariful off Musfik. The umpire turned it down, prompting angry reactions from Yasir, Nasum Ahmed and Musfik. The protests again went in vain, although Ariful was dismissed later in the same over.

With 107 runs required from 97 balls, Rony shifted the momentum. He shared a 74-run partnership in just 52 deliveries with Naim, who struck five fours and two sixes in his 98-ball 83 before departing after taking the team past 200.

Rony then finished the job alongside Mosaddek Hossain Saikat. The left-hander smashed a 28-ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 66 off 42 balls, hitting six fours and four sixes. Saikat contributed a quickfire 20 from 11 balls, including one four and two sixes.

It was Central Zone’s first win in two matches. Victory over North Zone in their final game could secure them a place in the final, while East Zone’s hopes were dashed after back-to-back defeats.