Chattogram Division made a strong start to their National Cricket League campaign, sealing a commanding 112-run victory over Rajshahi Division at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a daunting 482-run target, Rajshahi showed resilience but ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 370 runs on the final day. They resumed from their overnight score of 219 for 4, but their remaining 44.5 overs yielded only 151 additional runs, as the Chattogram bowlers maintained steady control.

S M Meherob Hasan, who was unbeaten on 54 the previous evening, added just six more runs, departing for 60 early in the day. Pritam Kumar anchored the innings with a well-made 83, but lacked sustained support at the other end. Later in the innings, Taijul Islam and Shakir Hossain Shuvro staged a small fightback, adding 57 runs for the seventh wicket. Taijul struck a lively 30 off 30 balls, while Shuvro contributed a patient 52 off 96 with four boundaries and a six.

For Chattogram, Hasan Murad led the bowling effort with 3 wickets, while Ahmed Sharif and Nayeem Hasan chipped in with two wickets each, ensuring the target remained out of reach for Rajshahi.

Earlier in the match, Chattogram had stamped their dominance with the bat. In the first innings, they posted 401 runs, powered by Yasir Ali Chowdhury’s commanding 129 and a brilliant 127 from opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy. Rajshahi, despite fifties from Sabbir Hossain and Sabbir Rahman, were restricted to 196, conceding a large lead.

Chattogram then strengthened their grip by declaring their second innings at 277 for 9, with Yasir once again playing a major role, scoring a composed 92, narrowly missing a second hundred in the match. His overall performance proved decisive in shaping the contest.

The bowlers completed the job on the final day, securing a comfortable victory and marking Chattogram as an early standout in this year’s NCL competition.