Bowlers dominate in the final round of the NCL, while Imon, Marshall flood Mirpur with runs

The final round of the 27th National Cricket League is underway across four venues in the country. Title contenders Sylhet and Mymensingh saw their bowlers dominate the opening day, but the Dhaka–Chattogram match in Mirpur proved to be an exception. On a batting-friendly surface, Dhaka Division’s Anisul Islam Imon and Marshall Ayub unleashed a run-fest with brilliant centuries.

At the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka ended the first day on 356 for 2 after being sent in to bat. The star of the innings was opener Anisul Islam Imon, who remained unbeaten on 183 off a flurry of 18 fours and 5 sixes. Veteran Marshall Ayub provided superb support, smashing an unbeaten 109 off just 132 deliveries with 12 boundaries. The pair added an unbroken 203-run stand. Earlier, Imon put on 72 runs for the opening wicket with Ashiqur Rahman Shibli. Chattogram’s Ifran Hossain and Nayeem Hasan picked up one wicket each.

In Rajshahi, Barishal Division finished the first day on 269 for 9 after being put in to bat against Sylhet Division. Iftikhar Ifthi (63) and Hafizur Rahman (58) built the initial platform for Barishal’s total. Sylhet’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Mohiuddin Tarek taking 3 and Abu Jayed Rahi picking up 2. Nasum Ahmed, Sahanur Rahman, Tofayel Ahmed, and Asadullah Al Galib bagged one wicket apiece.

In Bogura, Khulna Division ended the day on 302 for 9. Soumya Sarkar top-scored with 56. For Rangpur Division, Nasir Hossain was the most successful bowler with 3 wickets, while Mukidul Islam and Sohel Rana claimed 2 each.

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Mymensingh Division gained a strong advantage on the opening day of their match against Rajshahi. Batting first, Rajshahi were bowled out for just 219. Nayeem Ahmed was the only notable contributor, scoring 81 with 12 fours and 2 sixes. Opener Habibur Rahman Sohan added 44. For Mymensingh, Abu Hider Rony took 3 wickets, while Asadullah Galib and Rakibul Hasan grabbed 2 each. Maruf Mridha and Shuvagata Hom chipped in with one wicket apiece.

In reply, Mymensingh made a confident start, ending the day on 73 for 2. Khalid Hasan remained unbeaten on 28, with Ariful Islam not out on 5. Opener Naeem Sheikh contributed 33. Rajshahi’s Abdur Rahim and Mohor Sheikh claimed one wicket each.

After the first day of the final round, the equation is becoming clearer—Mymensingh have strengthened their title hopes, Sylhet face a challenging road ahead, and Mirpur witnessed a record-setting run-fest from Imon and Marshall.