Six teams still in title race as NCL heads into final round

The title race in the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) will go down to the final round, with the top six teams remaining in contention after the conclusion of the sixth round on Wednesday.

Sylhet Division climbed to the top of the points table after securing their second win, a commanding 10-wicket victory over Rajshahi Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium and now have 26 points from six matches.

Rajshahi Division's Pritom Kumar struck a superb 143, but with little support around him, Rajshahi were bowled out for 336 in 96.4 overs on the final day, leaving Sylhet with only 37 runs to chase. Sylhet knocked off the target in just 9.2 overs to seal a 10-wicket victory.

Resuming the day on 146 for 3 and trailing by 299, Sylhet managed only 190 more runs in their second innings. Pritom, unbeaten on 29 overnight, reached his century, while SM Meherob failed to add to his 55.

Pacer Abu Jayed Chowdhury and spinner Nabil Samad picked up three wickets each for Sylhet.

Rajshahi's Pritom Kumar struck a 143 but with little support around him, Rajshahi were bowled out for 336 in 96.4 overs on the final day, leaving Sylhet with only 37 runs to chase. Sylhet knocked off the target in just 9.2 overs to seal a 10-wicket victory.

Resuming the day on 146 for 3 and trailing by 153, Sylhet managed only 190 more runs in their second innings. Pritom, unbeaten on 29 overnight, reached his century, while SM Meherob failed to add to his 55.

Pacer Abu Jayed Chowdhury and spinner Nabil Samad picked up three wickets each for Sylhet.

At the Sylhet Academy Ground, newcomers Mymensingh Division registered their second win of the season, beating Barishal Division by 63 runs. The victory lifted them to second place in the standings with 24 points.

Chasing a target of 380, Barishal resumed the final day on 108 for 4 but were eventually bowled out for 316.

Shohag Gazi stood out with a fighting 102, coming in when Barishal were wobbling at 114 for 5. Zahiduzzaman also scored an 80 but it wasn't enough to take Barishal across the finish line.

Pacers Abu Hider and Asadullah Galib scalped three wickets each for Mymensingh.

Meanwhile in Khulna, the match between Khulna Division and Dhaka Division produced late drama before ending in a draw due to bad light. Chasing 165 for victory, Dhaka appeared on course but Khulna kept striking at regular intervals, reducing them to 123 for 6 before play was called off.

A win would have taken Khulna to the top of the points table.

Earlier in the day, starting from 149 for 5, Khulna were bowled out for 280 in their second innings. Batter Imranuzzaman played 311 balls for his 66, while Soumya Sarker scored 55.