Naim, Mahfijul put Mymensingh in strong position

Openers Mohammad Naim and Mahfijul Islam Robin struck centuries to put Mymensingh Division in a strong position against Rangpur Division on the opening day of the second round of the National Cricket League's (NCL) longer version in Cox's Bazar on Saturday.

Electing to bat, Mymensingh enjoyed a flying start as Naim and Mahfijul added 220 runs for the opening wicket. Naim made 111 off 163 balls with nine fours and two sixes to register his fourth first-class hundred, while Mahfijul struck his maiden ton, scoring 127 off 228 balls with 14 boundaries. Their efforts guided Mymensingh to a solid 281 for two at stumps.

At the other Cox's Bazar venue, Chattogram Division also dominated with the bat against Barishal Division. Opener Sadikur Rahman hit a career-best 122 off 174 balls, while former national skipper Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 84, as Chattogram reached 260 for four at the close of play.

In Mirpur, Rajshahi Division's spinners took charge, bundling out Khulna Division for just 121. Nihaduzzaman and Meherob Hasan grabbed three wickets each, while Mrittunjoy Chowdhury top-scored with 23. Rajshahi ended the day on 87 for three, trailing by 34 runs, with all three wickets taken by Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

In Sylhet, only 43.1 overs were possible due to rain and bad light, as Dhaka Division reached 120 for five. Mahidul Islam Ankon remained not out on 36 for Dhaka while Sylhet pacers Ebadot Hossain (3-49) and Khaled Ahmed (2-25) shared the wickets.