Four tons launch 27th NCL

The opening day of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) 2025–26 was marked by four centuries across three venues on Saturday.

In Rajshahi, twin hundreds from Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Yasir Ali propelled Chattogram Division to 401 runs in their first innings against Rajshahi Division, who opted to field.

Joy (127 off 165 balls, 15 fours, 2 sixes) and Yasir (129 off 138 balls, 10 fours, 6 sixes) shared a dominant 221-run fourth-wicket stand in near run-a-ball. Irfan Shukkur added a quick 72 off 63 balls to the total. Rajshahi hit back late, taking the last four wickets for just three runs. Spinner Taijul Islam (4–159) led the hosts' attack, who ended the day in a spot of bother at 1–2.

In Sylhet, debutants Mymensingh Division recovered from an early collapse after being asked to bat. They were supported by a 127-run fourth-wicket stand between Ariful and Abdul Mazid (who was run out for 65). Ariful Islam went on to score his maiden first-class hundred (101 off 208 balls) before falling soon after. Mymensingh closed the day at 268–7, with Sylhet pacer Khaled Ahmed taking three wickets.

Elsewhere in Sylhet, Marshall Ayub's 105 off 161 balls (his 27th first-class century) rescued Dhaka Division after they slumped to 13–3 against Rangpur Division. Ayub shared a 153-run fourth-wicket stand with Jishan Alam (71) to steady the innings. However, once the partnership ended, Dhaka collapsed, losing their last seven wickets for just 55 runs to be eventually bundled out for 221. Abu Hasim took three wickets for Rangpur, who replied with 65–2 at stumps, trailing by 156 runs.

In Khulna, lower-order batters Sheikh Parvez Jibon (unbeaten 72 off 91 balls) and Ziaur Rahman (69 off 91) helped the hosts reach 312–9 after electing to bat first against Barishal Division. The day was overshadowed by Barishal's Fazle Mahmud, who suffered a heatstroke in the 19th over and was stretchered off. He did not return for the rest of the day due to stiffness, confirmed match referee Akteruzzaman Khan.