The ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) witnessed some stellar performances on Day One of the fifth round. Sylhet opener Amite Hasan remained unbeaten with a half-century to take his team to a commanding position against Dhaka Metro. Meanwhile, Fahad Hossain’s fiery five-wicket haul gave Chattogram the edge against Rajshahi Division.

Sylhet Division vs Dhaka Metro

At Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna, Sylhet chose to field after winning the toss. Dhaka Metro started cautiously, with Naim Sheikh and Mahfijul Islam building a steady 53-run opening stand. However, Naim’s dismissal for 31 off 60 balls to Rejaur Rahman Raja triggered a batting collapse.

Wickets fell in quick succession as Nasum Ahmed, Raja, and Khaled Ahmed tore through the Dhaka Metro lineup. They lost their last eight wickets for just 57 runs, with Nasum bagging four wickets while Raja and Khaled took three each. Dhaka Metro managed only 130 runs in 43.1 overs.

In reply, Sylhet got off to a brisk start with Pinak Ghosh and Tawfique Tushar adding 58 runs for the first wicket. Tawfique’s explosive 42 off 31 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes, set the tone. Despite losing two quick wickets, Sylhet ended the day at 137/2, with Amite Hasan anchoring the innings with a solid unbeaten 51. Sylhet holds a 7-run lead with eight wickets in hand.

Barishal Division vs Rangpur Division

Barishal’s first innings saw early setbacks, with Rangpur pacer Mukidul Islam striking in the opening over to dismiss Mazid. Abdullah Al Mamun followed up with two quick wickets, leaving Barishal at 43/3. However, fifties from Iftikhar Hossain Ifti Khair and Salman Hossain helped stabilize the innings with a vital 111-run partnership.

Ifti scored 70 before falling to spinner Tanvir Haider, while Salman was run out after a well-made 67. Tasamul Haque’s late contribution of 51, along with a 35-run cameo from Sohag Gazi, pushed Barishal to 266/7 at stumps.

Chattogram Division vs Rajshahi Division

Rajshahi’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure from Chattogram pacer Fahad Hossain. Fahad struck early, dismissing opener Sabbir and claiming a remarkable 5/31. Rajshahi managed only 112 runs in 34 overs, with Golam Kibria’s 23 being the top score.

Chattogram’s response started positively, with Sadiqur Rahman and Parvez Hossain Emon adding 96 for the opening wicket. Sadiqur’s fluent 54 and Imon’s 41 kept the scoreboard ticking. However, a sudden collapse saw them lose three wickets for just one run, reducing them to 97/3. At stumps, Chattogram reached 173/8, with Shamim Patwari unbeaten on 19, holding a 51-run lead.