Mominul ton puts East in control

Batters showcased a strong response during the second day of two Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) fixtures today.

Two big knocks from Mominul Haque and Parvez Hossain Emon cemented East Zone in a commanding position against North Zone in Sylhet, while two gritty fifties from Naeem Islam and Mahidul Islam Ankon meant the Central Zone-South Zone encounter is nicely poised in Mirpur.

Following the close of day's play at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, North were 67 for three in their second innings, trailing by 117 runs.

Earlier, resuming the day's proceedings on 122 for two, overnight batters Parvez missed out on his hundred by ten runs following a 200-ball stay -- unlike Mominul who went on to register his 28th first-class century.

The former Bangladesh captain hit 11 boundaries and two sixes for his 117 for 167 deliveries, while Shahadat Hossain scored 56 to steer East to a formidable 352 in their first innings in response to North's 108.

Nahid Rana remained the pick of the bowlers with a four-for, while Hasan Murad scalped three for North.

Meanwhile, at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Central recovered from a precarious 54 for four to tally 248 all out in their first innings, courtesy of Naeem's team-high 89 and Mahidul's 66.

Naeem missed out on a consecutive hundred but the veteran, building on his overnight score of 22, held the innings from his end and was the last batter to get out, as Central edged a 34-run lead.

Sumon Khan and Nayeem Hasan took three wickets apiece for South, who will adopt a cautious approach in today's proceedings after having slumped to 47 for three at stumps.