Apu's fifer helps Dhaka down Sylhet

Left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam Apu's five-wicket haul helped Dhaka Division secure a seven-wicket win over Sylhet Division on the third day of the ongoing National Cricket League's (NCL) second-round fixture in Bogura on Saturday.

At the Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Apu's exploits sank Sylhet to 116 all out as they lost nine wickets for 94 runs after starting the day at 22 for one, leaving Dhaka with only 72 to chase for victory – which they did with ease.

At Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Nobin Islam's unbeaten 145 guided Rangpur Division to 464 after they closed out the second day at 278 for five, in reply to Dhaka Metro's 173.

Metro started well in their pursuit of a 410-run target, with openers Shadman Islam and Mohammad Naim both scoring fifties before the former was dismissed by Nobin.

Naim, however, is on the verge of a century as his unbeaten 96 has helped to take Metro's score to 176 for the loss of two at stumps on the third day, needing a further 235 runs to win on the final day.

Meanwhile, Afif Hossain holds the key for his side heading into the final as Khulna Division are 31 runs away from victory but have four wickets in hand against Chattogram Division at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Chasing 132, Khulna are six down for 102, with Afif unbeaten on a 22-ball 19 at end of day's play.

Chattogram spinner Hasan Murad inflicted damage on Khulna as he scalped four wickets after his side were bundled out for 175, having started the day at three down for 38.

Elsewhere, at the Shaheed AHM Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, Barishal Division opener Iftekhar Hossain Ifti, who is unbeaten on 56, will be hoping to take his side home as they require 58 runs to win but have only four wickets in hand against Rajshahi Division.

Having started the day at 75 for two, Rajshahi were bundled out for 192, giving Barishal a 169-run target.

Taijul Islam of Rajshahi scalped four late in the day as Barishal slumped to six down for 111.