The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chittagong Division scored 279 for 8 in 90 overs in the first innings against Dhaka Division on the first day of the four-day sixth round match of the Ispahani Mirzapore Tea 10th National Cricket League at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium in Chittagong on Monday.

Favoured by coin, Chittagong Division opened the innings first to post a moderate total despite losing two quick wickets - Gazi Salauddin (0) and Nafees Iqbal (14) for 29 runs in 13.1 overs.

Chittagong had another jolt one down Masum-ud-Dowla returned to the pavilion scoring 32 runs off 119 balls, leaving the team total at 87 for 3 in 40.3 overs.

But middle order batsman Faisal Hossain Dickens, who scored a superb 129 runs in the previous match against Sylhet Division at home ground, pairing with two down Tariq Ahmed carried the team total to a respectable position contributing 123 runs in the 4th wicket stand.

Faisal made back to back century scoring 102 runs off 101 balls with nine fours and four sixes before he was caught by Nazmul off Ashraful delivery while number four Tariq made 83 off 149 balls with nine fours and two sixes.

Pacer Ashraful Haque and Emon Ahmed picked up two wickets each for 29 and 53 runs respectively.

Brief score: Chittagong Division 1st innings - 279 for 8 in 90 overs; Faisal Hossain 102, Tariq Ahmed 83, Masum-ud Dowla 32, Nafees Iqbal 14, Tareq Aziz batting 11, Nadimuddin 10, extras 14, Ashraful Haque 2/29, Emon Ahmed 2/53, Mahmud Ullah 1/46, Arafat Sunny 1/54 and Elias Sunny 1/61.

In the day's another match at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra, league leaders Rajshahi Division were in the driving seat against Barisal Division.

Rajshahi in their 1st innings scored 96 for 2 in 27.1 overs at stumps on the first day, Monday, after dismissing Barisal Division for 166 in 57.5 overs.

Opting to bat first, Barisal Division lost wickets at regular interval to be dismissed cheaply. National colour one down batsman Hannan Sarker made team highest 77 runs off 119 balls with 10 fours and a six.

Besides, middle order Nasir Hossain (36), lower order Tariqul Islam (not out 18) and Raisul Islam (12) were the other batsmen who reached double figures.

All rounder Suhrawardy Shuvo and new ball bowler Mohammad Shahzada grabbed three wickets each for 25 and 57 runs respectively while pacer Alamgir Kabir and Sabbir Rahman took two wickets each.

In reply, Rajshahi Division faced an initial jolt losing two wickets - Jahurul Islam (0) and Mahbub Alam (2) - for 25 runs in 6.2 overs, but one down Farhad Hossain partnering with number four Anisur Rahman steadied the innings contributing 71 runs in the 3rd wicket stand.

Farhad Hossain was batting with 36 runs off 77 balls with five fours and Anisur Rahman batting with 34 runs off 62 deliveries, also with five boundaries.

Talha Jubair claimed two wickets for 20 runs. Hannan Sarker 77, Nasir Hossain 36, Tariqul Islam not out 18, Raisul Islam 12, Suhrawardy Shuvo 2/25, Mohammad Shahazada 2/57, Sabbir Rahman 2/1 and Alamgir Kabir 2/29.

Rajshahi Division - 96 for 2 in 27.1 overs; Farhad Hossain batting 36, Anisur Rahman batting 34, Mahbub Alam 20, Talha Jubear 2/20.

The day's other match between hosts Sylhet Division and Khulna Division could not start on schedule on Monday due to the inauguration of floodlight at the Sylhet Stadium. The match will begin today (Tuesday).