Joy’s century, Ruyel’s five-for headline second day

Chattogram batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck the first century of this season’s National Cricket League (NCL) on Sunday, while Barishal’s left-arm pacer Ruyel Miah claimed the tournament’s first five-wicket haul on a day dominated by big performances.

At Khulna, Ruyel’s devastating spell helped bowl Barishal out for just 94 after the hosts posted 426 in their first innings. 

Mehedi Hasan Rana and  Sheikh Parvez Jibon also took three wickets apiece.

Khulna secured a commanding 332-run first-innings lead and enforced the follow-on. Barishal reached 43-2 by stumps, still needing 289 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

Khulna had resumed on 328-5 and added 98 runs before being dismissed for 426. Ruyel claimed five wickets as Barishal collapsed in reply.

In Chattogram, Joy completed a superb comeback with an unbeaten 102 as Chattogram reached 190-0 at stumps in reply to Rajshahi’s 346.

Rajshahi, who resumed on 290-6, added 56 before being bowled out. Chattogram left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claimed 4-96.

Joy’s century was his seventh in first-class cricket. The top-order batter was dropped from Bangladesh’s Test squad for the Australia tour after scoring 2 and 22 in the Harare Test in June.

His NCL return has offered a timely response, with Joy producing the innings Bangladesh will hope can reignite his Test prospects. His opening partner was also unbeaten, just 14 runs short of a century.

In Sylhet, the hosts stayed in contention for a first-innings lead after Mymensingh were dismissed for 311. Sylhet reached 236-5 by stumps, with Zakir Hasan making 60 and Asadullahil Galib unbeaten on 55.

Sylhet need another 76 runs to move ahead.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Dhaka were struggling at 120-6 in reply to Rangpur’s 340. They require another 221 runs to take the lead.

NCL third round moved back a day.