The opening day of the National Cricket League (NCL) second round produced a compelling contest between bat and ball across four separate venues in Bangladesh. Batter Mim Mosaddek stole the spotlight with an imposing 157-run knock for Rangpur Division, whilst Dhaka opener Naim Sheikh remained undefeated on 131. Meanwhile, spinner Mahedi Hasan delivered a masterclass in spin bowling, taking six wickets to collapse Rajshahi Division for a paltry total.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Khulna Division’s off-spinner Mahedi Hasan dismantled the Rajshahi batting lineup. Spilling just 38 runs in his 14-over spell, Mahedi claimed six crucial wickets, while teammate Safar Ali provided strong support by taking three. Rajshahi were bundled out for just 119 runs, with opener Sabbir Hossain offering the sole resistance through a modest 36. In response, Khulna made swift inroads, ending the day at 108 for 1. Azizul Hakim remained unbeaten on 55, partnered by Kalam Siddiki Olin on 28, leaving Khulna just 11 runs short of taking a first-innings lead with nine wickets in hand.
In Cox’s Bazar, Barishal Division reached 282 before being bowled out by Chittagong Division. Moin Khan experienced heart-wrenching fortune, falling just three runs short of a century after a fine 97-run knock. Jawad Abrar contributed 63, alongside vital scores from Hafizur Rahman (44) and Abdullah Sifat (35). Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad was the pick of the bowlers for Chittagong, taking four wickets, whilst Mohammad Rubel and Ahmed Sharif picked up two apiece. By stumps, Chittagong reached 72 without loss, trailing by 210 runs, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy on 29 and Sadikur Rahman on 41.
Over at the Sylhet Academy Ground, Rangpur Division asserted complete dominance against Mymensingh Division after electing to bat first. Despite losing opener Anik Sarkar early, Mim Mosaddek and Iqbal Hossain constructed a mammoth 208-run partnership. Mim hit 23 boundaries in a marathon 212-ball 157, while Iqbal chipped in with 78. Abdullah Al Mamun kept the pressure on with a quickfire 61 off 88 balls. Rangpur closed the day on 370 for 6, with Chowdhury Rizwan and Alauddin Babu set to resume on day two.
At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Dhaka Division mounted a commanding total of 343 for 2 against Sylhet Division. Naim Sheikh rebounded from his previous duck to score a magnificent unbeaten 131 before retiring hurt. He put on a 155-run opening stand with Jishan Alam, who fell short of a century on 81. Marshall Ayub further solidified Dhaka’s upper hand with an 80-run knock, leaving Mahidul Islam Ankon undefeated on 32 alongside him at the close of play.