Khulna, Chattogram build big leads as NCL battles continue

Khulna and Chattogram strengthened their positions in the second round of the National Cricket League (NCL) four-day competition on Monday, building substantial first-innings leads in their respective matches. Dhaka and Rangpur also remained in commanding positions against Sylhet and Mymensingh.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Khulna reached 484 after dismissing Rajshahi for just 119. Khulna’s lead stood at 344 runs, putting Rajshahi under considerable pressure to prevent the match from slipping away. Rajshahi scored 300/3 in their second innings.

Rajshahi will need a strong response with the bat to reduce the deficit and give themselves a chance of staying in contention.

At Cox’s Bazar, Chattogram posted 576 before dismissing Barishal for 282, securing a 294-run first-innings advantage. Barishal made 149 in their second innings as they follow-on must now work hard to close the gap, while Chattogram will look to build on their position and push for a result.

Dhaka Division also enjoyed a strong position against Sylhet at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. After declaring at 547 for six, Dhaka had reduced Sylhet to 431for five in the latest available update. Sylhet remained 116 runs behind, with five wickets in hand, and faced a substantial task to challenge Dhaka’s first-innings total.

Rangpur Division held a similarly commanding advantage over Mymensingh at the Sylhet Outer Ground. Rangpur declared their first innings at 422 for nine, while Mymensingh had scored 295 runs in reply.

The four matches have produced contrasting challenges, but the large first-innings leads held by Dhaka, Rangpur, Khulna and Chattogram have placed their opponents under pressure. The next phase of play will be crucial, particularly for Sylhet and Mymensingh as they attempt to reduce their deficits, and for Rajshahi and Barishal as they seek to recover from difficult first innings.

With substantial ground still to make up in all four contests, the teams trailing will need patience and significant batting contributions to turn the matches around.