Nayeem’s double ton headlines run fest

Rajshahi top-order batter Nayeem Ahmed struck his maiden first-class double century on Tuesday, while Khulna’s Azizul Hakim Tamim and Dhaka’s Mohammad Naim Sheikh scored centuries on the third day of the National Cricket League’s (NCL) third round.

Nayeem remained unbeaten on 202 against Barishal in Rajshahi, guiding his side to 457-7 before the declaration. He reached the milestone in his sixth first-class match, having previously managed only two half-centuries. His 267-ball innings featured a series of boundaries and sixes.

Barishal, trailing by 228 runs, reached 249-5 in their second innings at stumps. Zawad Abrar missed out on a century by nine runs.

At the Sylhet Academy Ground, Azizul struck a brilliant 142 to help Khulna post 323 all out against Chattogram. Resuming the day on 161-6, Khulna were carried forward by the youngster, who scored his maiden first-class century in just his fifth match.

The left-hander struck nine fours and 10 sixes in his 147-ball innings. Chattogram’s Mahmudul Hasan Joy claimed three wickets for 30 runs.

Chattogram reached 174-5 in pursuit of a 275-run target, with Joy scoring 60 and Sadikur Rahman making 76.

Rakib Howladar took four wickets for 44 runs for Khulna. Chattogram need another 101 runs to win, while Khulna require five wickets.

At the Chattogram Stadium, Sylhet held a 208-run lead after reaching 235-8 in their second innings. Amite Hasan was unbeaten on 94, just six runs short of his 12th first-class century at stumps.

In Cox’s Bazar, Dhaka moved closer to securing a first-innings lead against Mymensingh, reaching 342-9 by the close. They need another 45 runs to go ahead.

Naim led Dhaka’s effort with his sixth first-class century, scoring 135 off 206 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes.