Taibur, Sadikur hit centuries on third day

Dhaka batter Taibur Rahman and Chattogram’s Sadikur Rahman struck centuries on the third day of the National Cricket League’s (NCL) opening round on Monday, while Dhaka’s Sumon Khan and Chattogram’s Irfan Sukkur narrowly missed out on three figures.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Taibur’s 108 could not prevent Dhaka from falling 56 runs short of Rangpur’s first-innings total of 340.

Starting the day on 120 for six, Dhaka were bowled out for 284.

Taibur, unbeaten on 32 overnight, completed 5,000 first-class runs before celebrating his eighth century.

Sumon also impressed with a career-best 94, falling just six runs short of his maiden first-class hundred.

Rangpur’s 56-run lead, however, offered little comfort as they stumbled to six for three in the final half-hour of play. Their overall lead stood at 62 runs at stumps.

In Chattogram, the hosts secured a 47-run first-innings lead after replying to Rajshahi’s 346 with 393. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who reached his century on the second day with 102, added only three more runs.

Sadikur, meanwhile, converted his overnight 86 into a century and finished with 115 as Chattogram built a sizeable advantage. Rajshahi’s SM Meherob Hasan claimed four wickets for 94 runs.

Rajshahi reached 46 for two in their second innings, leaving them with a lead of only 17 runs.

At Sylhet, the hosts secured a 16-run first-innings lead after being bowled out for 327 in reply to Mymensingh’s 311. Asadullah Galib, unbeaten on 67 overnight, failed to add to his score, while Tofael Ahmed made 59.

Mymensingh’s left-arm spin duo shared seven wickets, with Azijul Hakim Rony taking four for 79 and Rakibul Hasan claiming three for 96 after bowling 39 overs.

Sylhet ended the day on 146 for one in their second innings, with Mahfizul Islam Robin unbeaten on 86 and Khalid Hasan on 57. Their overall lead has stretched to 132 runs.