Batters struggle bar Bijoy, Anik

Khulna Division batter Anamul Haque Bijoy scored a century on the second day of a National Cricket League's second-round fixture against Chattogram Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Overall, batters in all ongoing contests have struggled to stamp their authority as a total of 300 runs is yet to materialise.

In Sylhet, Bijoy's 110-run knock, featuring three sixes and six fours, propelled his side's total to 285 before being bundled out as Khulna took a 43-run lead in reply to Chattogram's first-innings total, 242.

Khulna pacer Al Amin Hossain scalped two wickets late in the day to help reduce Chattogram to three down for 38, trailing by five.

At Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Rangpur Division batter Anik Sarkar was unfortunate to get out on 99 but his knock allowed Rangpur to take a 224-run lead against Dhaka Metro. Rangpur ended the second day of play at 278 for six after bundling out Metro for 173 earlier on the day.

At Bogura's Shaheed Chandu Stadium, two half-centuries from Rony Talukdar (63) and Shuvagata Hom (52) helped Dhaka Division score 256 all out against Sylhet Division.

Sylhet pacer Khaled Ahmed picked up three wickets. At stumps, Sylhet managed 22 for one at the close of play, still trailing by 22 runs.

Elsewhere, Barishal Division's Moin Khan scored a fifty to help his side past 200 as they posted 233 in reply to Rajshahi Division's 209 at the Shaheed AHM Kamaruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi.

Rajshahi's Habibur Rahman remained unbeaten on 48 to help his side reach 75 for two and lead by 51 runs at day's end.