The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Rajshahi Division smartly the clinched the one-day title of the Ispahani Mirzapore Tea 9th National Cricket League with two matches to spare beating Chittagong Division by 70 runs in the 8th round match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Tuesday.

With the day's well-merited victory, Khaled Mashud Pilot-led Rajshahi Division not only took sweet revenge of their 21-run defeat against Chittagong Division in the last four-day match, but also clinched the one-day national cricket crown for the third time since the inception of the league in 2001-2002 season.

Rajshahi Division tops the list securing 14 points from eight matches. They lost only to Barisal by 18 runs in the last round. Dhaka, Khulna and Barsial Divisions are in distant second position with eight points each.

Favoured by coin, hosts Rajshahi Division opened the innings first and scored moderate 242 runs for all in 47.2 overs.

Opener Shakil Haider, who scored 76 runs in the last four day match against Chittagong, played the anchor role for Rajshahi win today contributing 95 runs off 109 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

Lower order Anisur Rahman (31), Mushfiqur Rahman (22), Rabiul Karim (19), Saqlain Sajib (not out 15), Nayeem Islam (14) and Mahbub Alam (10) were the other notable Rajshahi batsmen who reached double figures while another 21 runs came from extras.

Mahmuduzzaman and Sajjadul Hossain of Chittagong captured three wickets each for 52 and 64 runs respectively.

In reply, Chittagong Division faced batting collapse losing nine wickets for 100 runs in 32.1 overs.

Only national colour batsman Faisal Hossain Dickens fought single-handedly for Chittagong who were eventually dismissed for 172 runs in 47 overs against superb bowling by Delwar Hossain.

Number seven Dickens' run-a- ball 91 not out featured seven fours and four sixes. Gazi Salauddin (13) and wicket keeper Dhiman Ghosh (21) were the two other batsmen reaching double figures.

Pacer Delwar Hossain snared five wickets for 34 runs in 10 overs with two maidens and was adjudged man of the match jointly with teammate Shakil Haider.