Shadman ton powers Dhaka Metro

Shadman Islam lit up the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday with the first century of the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) T20, steering Dhaka Metro to a commanding 96-run victory over Barishal Division in their sixth-round encounter.

Opening the innings after being sent in to bat, Shadman struck 11 fours and four sixes in his 61-ball 101. He combined with Mahfijul Islam Robin, who hit 79 off 49, for a blistering 177-run opening stand that propelled Metro to 197 for six.

In reply, Barishal's batting line-up faltered against Metro's pace and spin attack, folding for 101 in 17.5 overs. Pacer Maruf Mridha led the charge with 3-15, while Abu Hider Rony and Rakibul Hasan chipped in with two wickets apiece. The win was Metro's third in six matches, while Barishal slumped to their fifth defeat.

In the day's other game, Rajshahi Division staged a remarkable recovery to beat Rangpur Division by four wickets and keep their playoff hopes alive.

Chasing 144, Rajshahi were reeling at 29 for five in the Powerplay, with Abu Hasim wreaking havoc through figures of 4-7. But Shakhir Hossain Shuvro (52 not out off 42) and Sabbir Rahman (35 off 35) rescued the chase with a 74-run sixth-wicket stand. Nihaduzzaman's quickfire 27 off 14 then sealed the win with two balls to spare.

Earlier, Rangpur posted 143 in 19.5 overs, built around Iqbal Hosen's 50 off 45. Sabbir Hossain picked up 3-23 for Rajshahi, while S M Meherob Hasan and Asaduzzaman Payel claimed two wickets each.