The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

A five-wicket haul by medium pacer Alamgir Kabir powered Rajshahi Division to skittled out Barisal Division for a paltry 182 in the first innings on the opening day of the four-dayer match of the Ispahani Mirzapur Tea 9th National Cricket League at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra on Wednesday.

Alamgir Kabir bowled extremely well and finished as 22-7-52-5.

Mohammad Shahzada of Rajshahi chipped in with two wickets giving away 63 runs in his 21 overs amid five maidens.

Imran Ahmed of Barisal and his teammate Shaheen Hossain tried to resist Rajshahi bowling attack.

Imran Ahmed notched up a polished 43 off 61 balls including five fours while Shaheen Hossain remained undefeated with 31 off 94 balls.

Rajshahi Division were at the stamps with 39 for the loss of one wicket.

Talha Jubaer, the right-arm medium pacer of Barisal took one wicket for 21 runs.

Meanwhile, Sylhet Division made 223 for the loss of seven wickets in the first innings against Dhaka Division on the first day of their four-dayer clash at the Narayangonj Osmani Stadium.

Sylhet lost their early two wickets for 35 runs. Later, Golam Rahman and skipper Rajin Saleh repaired the damage adding together 64 runs in the third wicket stand when the team's total was 99 before Golam Rahman was unfortunately run out by Mohammad Ashraful making 43. Golam Rahman faced 117 balls in his 165-minute innings, which was ornamented with five fours.

Ezaz Ahmed of Sylhet Division was his team's most successful batsman. He made a fine 54 off 68 balls amid five fours and two sixes.

Rajin Saleh scored 36 off 122 balls with three shots across the ropes.

Medium pacer Mohammad Sharif of Dhaka grabbed three wickets at the cost of 41 runs while Mahbubul Alam bagged a pair of wickets instead of 54 runs.

Besides, veteran spinner Mohammad Rafique took one wicket for 79 runs.