In the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL), Khulna’s Anamul Haque Bijoy fell agonizingly short of a century against Rangpur, while teammate Mohammad Mithun inched closer to three figures. Meanwhile, in another game, Abu Hider Rony showcased his prowess with a four-wicket haul for Chattogram against Dhaka Metro.

Khulna resumed the day on 79/2, with Anamul Haque Bijoy batting on 50 and Mohammad Mithun on 5. The duo forged a solid 127-run stand for the third wicket, with both reaching half-centuries. However, Bijoy was dismissed for 90 after edging Mukidul Islam to the keeper. His 142-ball knock featured nine boundaries and four sixes.

Following Bijoy’s dismissal, Khulna’s middle order faltered. Nahidul Islam (8), Jawad Royen (1), Sheikh Parvez Jibon (15), and Masum Khan Tutul (0) all fell cheaply. Newcomer Nobin Islam accounted for two of these wickets, while Ariful Haque and Chowdhury Rizwan chipped in with a wicket each.

Despite the slump, Mohammad Mithun held firm and guided Khulna to 240/7 at stumps, batting on an unbeaten 89. Mithun’s composed innings, studded with boundaries, provided much-needed stability. Rangpur’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mukidul, Ariful, and Nobin claiming two wickets apiece.

Dhaka Metro began their day on 161/3, with Aich Mollah leading the charge. The young batter brought up his fifty but fell for 57 after a 97-ball innings. Partner Rakibul Hasan departed early, but experienced campaigner Shamsur Rahman contributed a brisk 42 off 59 deliveries.

The rest of the lineup failed to offer resistance, and Dhaka Metro was bundled out for 268, securing a first-innings lead of 108 runs. Chattogram’s Ashraful Hasan Rohan was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4/68, supported by Nayeem Hasan, who bagged three wickets.

In their second innings, Chattogram’s top order faltered, with opener Parvez Hossain Emon (4) and Saddam Hossain (16) falling to Abu Hider Rony. The left-arm pacer continued his fiery spell, dismissing Sadikur Rahman (35) and Yasir Ali Rabbi (11) to complete a four-wicket haul.

Sazzadul Haque Ripon played a counter-attacking knock, smashing 54 off 57 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. However, his dismissal at the hands of Arif Ahmed left Chattogram precariously placed. By the end of the day, Nayeem Hasan (34*) and Ahmed Sharif (8*) had steadied the innings, taking Chattogram to 173/6, with a lead of 65 runs.