Naim, Mahfizul close in on double tons in NCL

Naim Sheikh and Mahfizul Islam Robin struck unbeaten centuries to put their respective teams in strong positions on the opening day of the fourth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) on Saturday.

Naim finished the day on 171 not out, after registering his third century in the last four innings in the ongoing league while Mahfizul remained unbeaten on 156 as Dhaka and Mymensingh made solid starts in their respective matches. 

Meanwhile, Rangpur also posted a competitive total despite no batter reaching three figures. Rain prevented the toss in the match between Sylhet and Khulna.

Dhaka vs Rajshahi
Dhaka recovered from a shaky start to reach 293-3 at stumps against Rajshahi at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Dhaka slumped to 88-3 before Naim anchored the innings with an unbeaten 171. The opener brought up his century in 143 balls and crossed 150 off 216 deliveries. His 242-ball innings included 14 fours and four sixes.

Mymensingh vs Chattogram
Mahfizul marked his return to the NCL with an unbeaten 156 as Mymensingh reached 299-4 against Chattogram at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura. The batter continued his strong form in the competition, recording his third century of the current season and fourth in first-class cricket.
Chattogram's Hasan Murad took three wickets.
 
Rangpur vs Barishal
Rangpur ended the opening day at 320-5 against Barishal at the Academy Ground in Sylhet.
Although no batter scored a century, contributions from Mim Mosaddek and Abdullah Al Mahmud helped Rangpur build a strong platform. Mim struck a brilliant 77.
Mamun was unbeaten on 61, while Alauddin Babu was 46 not out at stumps. 

Sylhet vs Khulna
The match between Sylhet and Khulna in Cox's Bazar could not get underway as persistent rain prevented the toss on the opening day.-BSS