After Five Consecutive Fifties, Finally a Century - Zakirs Knock Keeps Sylhets Title Hopes Alive

In the title-deciding match against Barishal, Sylhet captain Zakir Hasan took full responsibility after the top order collapsed. Following five consecutive innings with fifties, he produced an unbeaten century. His patient and determined batting helped Sylhet recover from a major disaster and kept their title dreams alive.

Zakir Hasan finally found his long-awaited century. At Rajshahi’s Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium, he scored an unbeaten 130 runs in the crucial match against Barishal. Replying to Barishal’s 312, Sylhet suffered their familiar batting collapse. Within just 47 runs, four batters walked back. Mubin Ahmed Dishan scored 2, previous-match centurion Asadullah Al Galib 5, in-form Amit Hasan 5, and experienced Mushfiqur Rahim departed for only 8.

Amid such a collapse, captain Zakir remained calm. He held one end firmly and, along with Ashraful Islam Rihad, built a 113-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Rihad contributed a valuable 41. This partnership not only rescued the team from further disaster but also reignited Zakir’s confidence. After being dropped from the national team, he went through a long lean patch. He also struggled for consistency in the early rounds of the NCL.

He scored 38 in the first match against Mymensingh. In the second match against Dhaka, he made 43 in one innings and remained unbeaten on 1 in the other. In the third match against Rangpur, he scored 3 and 18. But in the fourth match against Khulna, he returned to form with 78 and 77 in two innings. He then scored 73 and 61 in two innings against Chattogram. In the sixth match against Rajshahi, he made 60 in the first innings and remained unbeaten on 20 in the second to lead his team to a ten-wicket victory. These consecutive wins in the fifth and sixth matches brought Sylhet back into the title race.

In this match, after five successive fifties, Zakir finally reached the much-awaited century. Facing 184 balls, he hit 19 fours and remained unbeaten on 130 at stumps on the second day. This was the 16th century of his first-class career. During the innings, he also crossed the milestone of 6,000 first-class runs.

With Zakir’s unbeaten century, Sylhet reached 214 for 5 at the end of the second day in reply to Barishal’s 312.

For Barishal, Sohag Gazi scored 68, Ifthekhar Hossain Iftee 64, and Hafizur Rahman 58, helping the team post 312. Mahiduddin Tareq took three wickets for Sylhet.

At Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka Division posted a massive total. Anisul Islam Emon scored 186, Marshall Ayub 165, and Ashiqur Rahman Shibli 100 as the team ended on 541 for 6. Emon added only three more runs on the second day before being dismissed, while Marshall reached 165. Opener Shibli, who had retired hurt the previous day, returned to complete his century.

In reply, Chattogram ended the second day on 94 for 6. Ripon Mondol and Sumon Khan’s fiery bowling reduced them to 23 for 4. Although Yasir Ali scored 20 and Irfan Sukkur 43 to stage some resistance, both were eventually dismissed. Sumon Khan took three wickets, while Ripon Mondol picked up two.

At Bogura’s Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Rangpur Division were bowled out for 174 in response to Khulna’s 308. Young pacer Safor Ali claimed five wickets on his own to dismantle Rangpur. Despite a 134-run lead, Khulna collapsed again in the second innings, losing five wickets for just 41 runs. Mugdha took two wickets, while Sohel Rana, Shariful Islam, and Mamun grabbed one each.

In Sylhet, Mymensingh were bowled out for only 137 in reply to Rajshahi’s 219. Rajshahi’s Sanjamul Islam’s excellent spin accounted for five wickets. Khalid Hasan scored 37 and Naeem Sheikh 33 for Mymensingh. With an 82-run lead, Rajshahi reached 210 for 6 at stumps in their second innings, extending the lead to 292. Rahim Ahmed remained unbeaten on 47. For Mymensingh, Asadullah Hil Galib took three wickets, Abu Hider Rony two, and Rakibul Hasan one.

The title race now stands between Sylhet and newcomers Mymensingh. In the points table, Mymensingh are only two points behind Sylhet. A win against Rajshahi will secure the title for them. On the other hand, although Sylhet’s match remains evenly poised, they are still in a comparatively favorable position as Mymensingh trail behind Rajshahi.