The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Rangpur DSA emerged zonal champions to book the last seat for the final round of the 28th National Cricket Championship beating hosts Rajshahi by 122 runs in a rain-affected zonal final at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Tuesday.

The final round of the prestigious national cricket meet with eight zonal champions -- hosts Sylhet, Dhaka, Khulna, Barisal, Narayanganj, Comilla, Nilphamari and Rangpur DSAs -- will begin on May 17 at the Sylhet Stadium.

Dhaka DSA will play Comilla in the final round opener on May 17, while Barisal DSA face hosts Sylhet DSA on May 18, Narayanganj meet Nilphamari on May 19 and Khulna play Rangpur May 20.

The two semi-final matches will be held on May 21 and 22, while the final match will be held on May 24, all at the Sylhet Stadium.

In the day's zonal final, Rangpur DSA batted first after winning the toss to post 281 for 8 in allocated 50 overs.

Alauddin Babu scored a polished 76 runs off 55 balls and was adjudged man of the match. Ferdous scored another useful 70 while Salahuddin added 41 runs

Raju grabbed three wickets for 52 runs while Jonny picked up two for 39 runs.

In reply, hosts Rajshahi scored 140 for 8 in 42 overs before the match was stopped due to rain, conceding the huge defeat under parabola norm method.

Romeo scored 34 runs and Asif made 28.

Rahman and Monir took two wickets each for 17 and 23 runs.