Pritom, Akbar hit centuries in BCL

Centuries from Pritam Kumar and Akbar Ali powered North Zone to a strong position on the Day 2 of their Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) match against the South Zone at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground on Wednesday.

After bowling out South Zone for 314 on the opening day, North Zone recovered from early setbacks to reach 379-6 at stumps, taking a 65-run lead.

North Zone lost their first wicket early in the day for 28 runs and slipped further to 53-3.
However, a commanding 233-run fourth-wicket partnership between Pritam Kumar and captain Akbar Ali steadied the innings.

Akbar scored 121 off 158 balls, hitting 15 fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Samiun Basir. It was his third century in first-class cricket.

Pritam Kumar remained unbeaten on 151 off 184 balls, registering his fifth first-class century and highest individual score in the format. His innings anchored North Zone's strong reply after early losses.

In the day's other match, Central Zone were bowled out for 307 runs in their match against East Zone after resuming at 272-6 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Abu Haider Rony, who started the day on 90, failed to add to his score and was caught behind off Khaled Ahmed.
Ashiqur Rahman added 11 runs to his overnight score before falling for 86, also caught behind off Ebadot Hossain, who finished with figures of 4-54. Tofayle Ahmed played a second fiddle to him with 3-31.

East Zone ended the day on 243-3 with Amite Hasan on 88, while Mushfiqur Rahim was not out on 59 at the close of the day. Opener Mahmudul Hasan contributed 64 runs.     �"BSS