Chattogram Division ended the opening day of the third round of the National Cricket League (NCL) on top, reaching 240 for 8, thanks to an aggressive knock of 91 from Shah Paran.

Batting first against Khulna Division at the Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium, Chattogram were reduced to 99 for 4 before Paran’s counter-attacking innings — featuring 10 fours and four sixes off 100 balls — steadied the side.

Useful contributions from Sajjadul Ripon (56), Irfan Shukkur (62), and Nayeem Hasan (52) helped Chattogram post a competitive total, while Safar Ali led Khulna’s bowling attack with four wickets.

At the Khulna Division Stadium, Rajshahi Division trailed Barishal by 206 runs at stumps. Barishal were bowled out for 212, with Salman Hossain top-scoring with 58. Spinners Nihaduzzaman and Sanjamul Islam, along with pacers Shafiqul Islam and Ali Walid, shared the wickets. Rajshahi were 6 without loss in reply.

In Cox’s Bazar, rain disrupted play as Sylhet Division reached 172 for 7 against Rangpur. Amit Hasan anchored the innings with 91, while Rezwar Rahman Raja remained unbeaten on 28 after early breakthroughs from Robiul Haque and Abdullah Al Mamun, who left Sylhet struggling at 37 for 4.

At the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Mymensingh reached 100 for 2 in a 32-over rain-shortened contest against Dhaka, led by Naim Sheikh’s unbeaten 55. Early dismissals of Mahfizul Robin and Aich Molla put them under pressure, but Naim’s composed innings ensured a strong finish to the day.