NCL opening round produces one winner, three draws

The opening round of the 28th National Cricket League ended with Khulna Division emerging as the only winners, while the other three matches finished in draws after four days of red-ball cricket across the country.

Khulna completed their victory over Barishal inside three days, but Mymensingh, Rangpur and Rajshahi were unable to force results despite holding strong positions at different stages of their respective matches.

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Mymensingh dominated the final day against Sylhet but had to settle for a draw. After making 311 in their first innings, Mymensingh conceded a 16-run lead when Sylhet were dismissed for 327.

Mymensingh then produced a commanding second innings, reaching 370 for five in 115.4 overs. Their overall lead reached 354 runs, leaving Sylhet with no realistic chance of chasing a target in the remaining time. The match ended without a result.

Mymensingh's second-innings recovery was built around Mahfizul Islam and the middle order after Khalid Hasan had contributed 57 earlier in the innings. The strong batting display ensured that Mymensingh finished the match in control, although they could not turn that advantage into a victory. At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Rangpur also survived a difficult situation to draw with Dhaka.

Rangpur were dismissed for 340 in their first innings before Dhaka replied with 284, giving the defending champions a 56-run advantage. Rangpur, however, lost three wickets for only six runs in their second innings and suddenly found themselves under severe pressure.

Their position became even more precarious on the final day, but captain Akbar Ali led the resistance with a determined 64. Rangpur eventually made 149, setting Dhaka a target of 206.

With very little time left, Dhaka could face only a handful of overs and reached nine without loss before the match was called off. Rangpur therefore escaped with a draw after having been in danger of losing the contest.

The Chattogram-Rajshahi match also ended without a winner at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.

Rajshahi had posted 364 in their first innings before Chattogram responded with 393, gaining a 29-run lead. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Sadikur Rahman hit centuries for Chattogram, scoring 105 and 115 respectively.
Rajshahi fought back in their second innings and reached 220 for eight. Their total gave them a 191-run overall lead, but Chattogram were left without enough time to chase the target. The match consequently ended in a draw.

The only outright result came at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium, where Khulna crushed Barishal by an innings and 135 runs.

Khulna made 426 before dismissing Barishal for 94 and enforcing the follow-on. Barishal managed 197 in their second innings, with Hafizur Rahman making 91, but Khulna's bowlers completed the job. Sofor Ali took four wickets in the second innings, while Sheikh Parvez Jibon claimed three. Khulna's emphatic victory gave them the strongest start of the opening round.

With three draws and one decisive result, the first round produced plenty of competitive cricket but little separation among most of the teams. The second round is scheduled to begin on October 10, with the teams returning to the longer-format challenge after an opening week dominated by closely fought contests.