Mahidul Islam Ankon delivered an impressive performance by scoring 122 runs off 272 balls at Sylhet Academy Ground, securing his fourth century in first-class cricket as Dhaka posted 310 all out against Sylhet on the second day of the National Cricket League’s (NCL) longer version on Sunday.
Facing a challenging situation at 120 for five at the end of Day 1, Dhaka found themselves struggling further at 175 for seven after losing Taibur Rahman and Ripon Mondol early in the innings. Ankon then partnered with Sumon Khan to revive the team’s fortunes with a crucial 125-run partnership for the eighth wicket.
Starting from 36 runs overnight, Ankon reached his century in 221 balls, while Sumon contributed a brisk 74 off 99 balls to propel Dhaka past the 300-run mark. Sumon was eventually dismissed by Khaled Ahmed, who claimed three wickets along with Ebadot Hossain. Ankon was the final wicket to fall before Sylhet reached 33 without loss, with the day’s play ending early due to fading light.
In Cox’s Bazar, Mominul Haque fell short of a century as Chattogram posted 358 runs in their first innings against Barishal. Mominul was dismissed for 92 by Ruyel Miah early in the day, while Barishal skipper Tanvir Islam took four wickets. Barishal reached 115 for two at stumps.
Meanwhile, in Cox’s Bazar, Abdul Mazid’s unbeaten 119 runs – his 14th century in first-class cricket – propelled Mymensingh to a commanding total of 555 for six before declaring against Rangpur at the Academy Ground. Earlier, Naim Sheikh and Mahfijul Islam Rabbi also notched up centuries. Skipper Akbar Ali utilized 10 bowlers, including himself for three overs after relinquishing wicketkeeping duties.
After a prolonged fielding stint, Rangpur concluded Day 2 at 18 for two.
At Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Rajshahi’s Shakhir Hossain Shuvro fell just short of a century, scoring 89 runs off 172 balls in his team’s total of 268 all out against Khulna. Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed Rajshahi captain Sabbir Rahman to complete a four-wicket haul, while Nahidul Islam shone with figures of four for 48. Khulna finished the day at 68 for one before play was halted due to poor light, with Nahid Rana removing Soumya Sarkar for 10.