Khulna open NCL campaign with innings win over Barishal

Khulna Division opened their National Cricket League campaign in emphatic fashion, beating Barishal Division by an innings and 135 runs on Monday at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.

The match ended on the third day after Barishal were bowled out for 197 in their second innings, having already been dismissed for just 94 in the first.

Khulna had built a formidable position by making 426 in their first innings. Mohammad Mithun scored 89 and Kalam Siddiqui made 92, while Afif Hossain contributed a half-century. Sofor Ali remained unbeaten on 29 and Abdul Halim made 21 as Khulna recovered from 380 for nine to post a commanding total.

Barishal's first innings quickly turned into a collapse. Captain Iftikhar Rahman Ifti top-scored with 44, but no other batter could make more than 12 as the visitors were dismissed for 94 in 28.4 overs.

Khulna's bowlers shared the damage, with Mehedi Hasan Rana and Sheikh Parvez Jibon taking three wickets each, while Sofor Ali and Abdul Halim claimed two apiece. Trailing by 332 runs, Barishal were forced to follow on. They again struggled against Khulna's attack, although Hafizur Rahman offered some resistance with 91 in the second innings. Rafsan Al Mahmud and Salman Hossain also made useful contributions, but Barishal could not recover from another difficult start.

Sofor Ali finished with four wickets in the second innings, while Sheikh Parvez Jibon added three to complete a strong bowling performance for Khulna. The victory gives Khulna a winning start to the 28th NCL, while Barishal will have to regroup quickly after a heavy defeat in their opening match.