North Zone cruise to 10-wicket win in BCL opener

North Zone registered a commanding 10-wicket victory over South Zone in the opening round of the Bangladesh Cricket League, wrapping up the match within three days at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Academy Ground.

Pace bowler Robiul Islam led the charge with a superb five-wicket haul (5-53) as South Zone were bowled out for a modest 172 in their second innings. Chasing just 61 for victory, North Zone reached the target without losing a wicket in only 9.4 overs.

Opener Sabbir Hossain blasted an unbeaten 54 off 35 balls, hitting three fours and four sixes, while Abdullah Al Mamun remained not out on 7.

Earlier, North Zone built the foundation of their win with a strong first-innings total of 426, securing a crucial 112-run lead after dismissing South Zone for 314.

Pritom Kumar starred with 155 off 203 balls, including 16 fours and two sixes, while captain Akbar Ali contributed 121.

Resuming Day 3 on 379-6, Pritom added just four runs before being dismissed, falling short of a double century.

North Zone then lost wickets at regular intervals before being bowled out for 426. For South Zone, Sofor Ali claimed 5-99, while Abu Jayed Rahi and Samiun Basir took two wickets each.

In their second innings, South Zone showed some resistance through Samiun Basir (53) and Moin Khan (42), who shared a 98-run stand for the seventh wicket after a top-order collapse that saw them reeled to a struggling 47-6.

However, their efforts only helped avoid an innings defeat.

In the other match, East Zone moved close to victory as Central Zone slumped to 82-7 in their second innings, still trailing by 74 runs at stumps on Day 3 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Fast bowlers Syed Khaled Ahmed (3-23) and Hasan Mahmud (2-23) shared five wickets to put East Zone firmly in control.

Earlier, East Zone piled up 463 after resuming on 243-3. Amite Hasan who began the day with 88, struck a brilliant 162, while veteran Mushfiqur Rahim fell short of a century with 83. Yasir Ali remained unbeaten on 79.  Their strong batting display ensured a commanding 156-run first-innings lead after Central Zone were dismissed for 307.     �"BSS