Dhaka rally behind Shibli ton; Rangpur, Mymensingh tighten grip

Dhaka Division batter Ashikur Rahman Shibli struck a composed century to steer his side to 252 for 4 on Day 2 of the fourth round of the National Cricket League 2025-26, reducing the deficit against Rajshahi Division to 46 runs at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium on Sunday.

Shibli anchored the innings with an unbeaten 112 off 200 balls, keeping Dhaka firmly in the contest. Earlier in the morning, Rajshahi added just 23 runs to their overnight 275 for 9 before being bowled out. Off-spinner Ashraful Islam Siam picked up the final wicket to complete a five-wicket haul, while left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam, fresh off his century the previous day, claimed two wickets for Rajshahi.

In Bogura, Rangpur Division seized control as leg-spinner Rishad Hossain bagged three wickets, complemented by pacer Mukidul Islam Mugdho's two strikes, to leave Barishal Division reeling at 90 for 7. Despite holding a slender 84-run lead, Barishal now face the prospect of an early defeat unless their lower order can stage a remarkable recovery. Rangpur had resumed the day at 43 for 2 but were dismissed for 202, with Barishal skipper Tanvir Islam picking up three wickets and pacers Ruyel Miah and Yasir Arafat Meshu contributing to the collapse.

In Chattogram, the match continued at a rapid pace as Mymensingh Division batted twice in the day and built a commanding position. They closed at 82 for 2, extending their lead to 160 runs after earlier bowling out Chattogram Division for 210. Mymensingh, who began the day at 271 for 8, managed only 17 more runs before their bowlers -- led by skipper Shuvagat Hom and Arif Ahmed, both taking four wickets each -- skittled Chattogram cheaply to seize control.

At the Sylhet Academy Ground, Sylhet Division finished the opening day at 28 without loss after dismissing Khulna Division for 259. Nasum Ahmed starred with four wickets, while Sahanur Rahman and Tanzim Sakib picked up two apiece. For Khulna, openers Anamul Haque (24) and Soumya Sarkar (27) failed to convert their starts, and skipper Mohammad Mithun top-scored with 44. The match, unlike the other three fixtures which started on Saturday, began a day later after the BCB rescheduled it due to the fifth day of the Bangladesh–Ireland Test—though that Test concluded earlier than expected.