The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

League leaders Rajshahi Division retained their winning streak in the Ispahani Mirzapur Tea 9th National Cricket League when they defeated Khulna Division by five wickets in their one-dayer match at the Bir Sreshtha Shaheed Motiur Rahman Stadium in Khulna on Wednesday.

After yesterday's outcome, Rajshahi Division led the points table securing eight points from four matches while Khulna collected six points in as many matches.

Chasing Khulna's total of 187 off 47.5 overs, Rajshahi Division sailed home in 45 overs scoring 188 for the loss of five wickets.

Rajshahi lost their early three wickets for 53 runs. Later, Nayeem Islam and Farhad Hossain mended the innings adding together 95 runs in the fourth wicket stand before Nayeem Islam was cleanly bowled by Jamal Uddin making 66 when the team's score was 148 for the loss of four wickets.

Nayem Islam struck six fours in his 68-ball knock.

Farhad Hossain hit a quick-fire 43 off 32 balls amid two fours.

Left-arm medium pacer Syed Russel of Khulna got three wickets at the cost of 35 runs.

Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan of Khulna hit a fine 52 off 67 balls including two boundaries.

Nayeem Islam, Suhrawardy Shuvo, Mahbub Alam, Farhad Hossain of Rajshahi chipped in with two wickets each for 16, 26, 34 and 55 runs respectively.