Mithun, Kalam fall short of tons on opening day

Two Khulna batters came agonisingly close to centuries on the opening day of the National Cricket League (NCL), but Kalam Siddiki Aleen and captain Mohammad Mithun had to settle for 92 and 89 respectively against Barishal at home.

Khulna, however, finished the day in a strong position at 328 for five on Saturday.

Bangladesh Under-19 batter Aleen was eyeing his maiden first-class century when Barishal captain and part-time bowler Iftakhar Hossain Ifti dismissed him for 92. Aleen was bowled, eight runs short of a landmark hundred.

Mithun also missed out on a century, falling for 89 when he was caught off pacer Ruyel Miah. The Khulna captain will now have to wait longer for his 17th first-class hundred.

In Chattogram, Rajshahi built their innings around openers Habibur Rahman Sohan and Sabbir Hosan, who scored 75 and 71 respectively. Rajshahi finished the day on 290 for six.

At Sylhet, Mahfijul Islam struck 70 for Mymensingh, who closed on 273 for seven. Abu Hider Rony was unbeaten on 46.

Batters struggled for fluency at the SBNCS, Mirpur, where defending champions Rangpur ended the day at 229 for six at a scoring rate of 2.80. Anik Sarker Shatu made 50, and Mim Mosaddeak scored 63.