Amid the dominance of the national players in the opening round of 21st National Cricket League, a literally unknown young fast bowler Sumon Khan made his presence felt.
The 19-year old player, who is playing for Dhaka Division, showed his mastery with new ball and took seven wickets against Rajshahi Division, including a 5-50 in the first innings. It was only his third first class match but the way he swung the ball caught the attention of many.
As an opener Rajshahi Division captain Jahurul Islam Omee faced most of the deliveries of Sumon's new ball. From what he has seen, the bowler is capable of making the batsmen double-mined with the swing he extracted from the pitch.
"He looked good, especially with the new ball. He can swing the ball in both ways. I am sure if he works hard, he can be an asset for Bangladesh," Omee said.
In two innings, Sumon bowled 42 overs, proving the fact that he has the ability to bowl in long spell, something which Bangladesh cricket needs.
However left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was the highest wicket-taker of the opening round, grabbing nine wickets against Dhaka. Taijul claimed four-for in the first innings and followed it with five-for in the second as the match ended in a draw at Khan Shaheb Osman Ali Stadium.
Another left-arm spinner Arafat Sunny, playing for Dhaka Metro snapped up seven wickets in the match against Chattogram Division, including a six-for in the first innings.
Pacer Kamrul Islam Rabbi hogged the headline after long days, when he helped Barishal win the match against Sylhet Division. His 6-24 in the first innings indeed shot Sylhet out for 86 in the first innings and paved the way for an innings and 13-run victory for Barishal, who was the only team in the first round to win the game. Rabbi however couldn't add any wicket in the second innings.
Dhaka Metro's off-spinner Mahmudullah Riyad also took six wickets, three each in both innings. -BSS
