Naim, Mahfijul hit maiden double centuries

Mohammad Naim Sheikh and Mahfijul Islam Robin struck their maiden first-class double centuries on the same day in the fourth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) on Sunday, while Naim and Mahidul Islam Ankon forged a record 363-run fourth-wicket partnership for Dhaka.

Sylhet opener Zakir Hasan also struck a century.

Naim, unbeaten on 171 at the close of the first day at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, went on to make 282 before falling 18 runs short of a triple century. The left-handed opener batted for 10 hours and 19 minutes, hitting 21 fours and seven sixes.

Dhaka skipper Ankon provided outstanding support but fell short of a double century himself. The middle-order batter scored 165 in his 16th first-class innings before being caught at long-on off SM Meherob Hasan.

Their 363-run stand set a new NCL record for the fourth wicket, surpassing the previous mark of 348 set by Sylhet’s Rajin Saleh and Alok Kapali against Dhaka in Fatullah in 2015.

Powered by the partnership, Dhaka posted 521 in their first innings. Rajshahi leg-spinner Wasi Siddiquee claimed four wickets for 112 runs.

Rajshahi were struggling at 103-6 at stumps on the second day, still 419 runs behind Dhaka’s total and facing the prospect of an innings defeat.

At Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, Mahfijul also reached his maiden first-class double century. Unbeaten on 156 overnight, the opener remained 217 not out as Mymensingh declared their first innings at 465-7.

The 22-year-old struck 20 fours and two sixes in a patient 642-minute innings. Rajshahi reached 134-2 in reply but remained 331 runs behind.

At Sylhet Academy Ground, Rangpur made 402 in their first innings, with Abdullah Al Mamun top-scoring with 79. Barishal finished the second day on 179-3, with Rafsan Al Mahmud lost his wicket on 89, trailing by 223 runs.

Play in Cox’s Bazar began only on the second day after the opening day was washed out by bad weather. Sylhet left-handed opener Zakir Hasan marked the delayed start with an unbeaten 160, his 17th first-class century, including 15 fours and four sixes.

Sylhet ended the day on 280-2.