Khulna romp to innings win

Khulna made a winning start to the National Cricket League (NCL), crushing Barishal by an innings and 135 runs with a day to spare on Monday after dismissing them for just 197 in their second innings.

Mohammad Mithun’s side took firm control after bowling Barishal out for 94 in the first innings. A massive 332-run lead then put Khulna within touching distance of victory on the second day.

Barishal ended the second day on 43-2, still 289 runs short of making Khulna bat again. But they could add only 154 runs for their final eight wickets on the third day.

Hafizur Rahman offered the strongest resistance for Barishal, missing out on a maiden first-class century by just nine runs. The Bhola batter spent 203 minutes at the crease before falling for 91, caught behind off Khulna off-spinner Sheikh Parvez Jibon.

Hafizur’s 91, featuring seven fours and a six, is his highest first-class score. His previous best was 61.

He last played in the Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League for Bashundhara Strikers.

Jibon was Khulna’s most successful bowler across both innings, taking 3-10 in the first and 3-63 in the second.

However, Sofor Ali claimed the Player of the Match award for his all-round contribution. He remained unbeaten on 27 in Khulna’s first innings before taking 2-34 and 4-31 with the ball across the two innings.