Liton fifty leads North Zone to second straight victory

Liton Das hit an unbeaten half-century as North Zone secured a six-wicket victory over South Zone in low-scoring game of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day format at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium today.

Put into bat first, South Zone were bowled out for 144 in 30.5 overs, a total North Zone overhauled in just 25.4 overs, reaching 145-4, thanks to an 55 not out from Liton.

This was North Zone's second straight victory, having earlier thrashed East Zone by 54 runs.

South Zone pacer Mustafizur Rahman, however, jolted North Zone with a brilliant bowling with the new ball, giving the side a glimmer of hope to win the game despite paltry total on the board. He claimed three wickets in his first two overs, leaving North Zone to a precarious 37-3 in just fifth over.

Habibur Rahman Sohan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim made a boundary-filled start in pursuit of the chase before Mustafizur struck twice in three balls, dismissing Habibur for 6 ball-14 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for two ball-duck.

He then came back to trap Tanzid leg-before for 13 ball-28 to eventually finish with the figure of 3-23.

With the side in the danger, Liton and Towhid Hridoy steadied the innings with 80-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which edged the side closer to the victory.

Hridoy was out for 33 but Liton and Akbar secured the victory without further trouble. Liton struck six fours in his 55 off 65 while Akbar who hammered a century in the first match was unbeaten on 19.

Earlier, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam put up a gem of fast bowling show as South Zone made a horrendous start and were reduced to 19-4.    �"BSS