Naim, Mahfijul pile on centuries in NCL run-fest

Mohammad Naim Sheikh struck his third consecutive century, while Mahfijul Islam Robin registered his third century of the season as the National Cricket League (NCL) fourth round got under way with a run feast on Saturday.

Naim remained unbeaten on 171 at stumps on the opening day against Rajshahi at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, steering Dhaka to 293-3. The left-handed opener struck 14 fours and four sixes in his 242-ball innings, moving within sight of his maiden first-class double century.

The 27-year-old, who made his Test debut against New Zealand in Christchurch in January 2022, has not played another Test since. Although his appearances in Bangladesh’s ODI and T20I sides have been intermittent, he has continued to score consistently in domestic cricket.

After opening the current NCL campaign with scores of zero and seven against Rangpur, Naim bounced back with 135 against Mymensingh in the second round and 137 against Sylhet in the third.

Mahidul Islam Ankon provided excellent support, remaining unbeaten on 84 off 175 balls. Their unbroken fourth-wicket stand was worth 205 runs.

At Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, Mahfijul continued his prolific form, reaching 156 not out as Mymensingh finished the day on 299-4 against Chattogram.

The century was Mahfijul’s fourth in first-class cricket and third in this season’s NCL. He scored 100 against Sylhet in the first round and 116 against Dhaka in the third.

The youngstar faced 229 balls, hitting 17 fours and a six.

Meanwhile, Rangpur reached 320-5 against their opponents at the Sylhet Academy Ground, with Mim Mosaddek unbeaten on 77.

The opening day’s play between Sylhet and Khulna at the Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground was abandoned due to rain.