Jishan and Mosaddek power Central past North in thriller

Bangla Press Desk:   A high-octane encounter in Rajshahi ended in dramatic fashion as Central Zone chased down 323 runs to beat North Zone by two wickets with four balls remaining in match six of the Bangladesh Cricket League One-Day tournament at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.

The victory sent Central Zone into the tournament final, where they will face the same opponents – North Zone – at the Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium on 3 March.Opener Jishan Alam’s commanding century set the tone for the chase, while captain Mosaddek Hossain Saikat played a fearless, unbeaten cameo to guide his side home. Jishan was named Player of the Match for his match-defining innings.

North Zone, batting first, suffered an early setback as Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed for four with just nine runs on the board. Litton Kumer Das also struggled to make an impact.

The innings regained stability through a 135-run partnership for the third wicket between Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Towhid Hridoy. Tanzid narrowly missed a century, finishing on a run-a-ball 92 with nine fours and four sixes.

Akbar Ali contributed 22 from 25 deliveries before Sabbir Rahman joined Hridoy at the crease. Hridoy reached his century in style, scoring 102 from 113 deliveries, featuring eight fours. Sabbir accelerated the scoring, blasting 73 off 51 balls with three fours and five sixes at a strike rate of 143.14.

Abu Haider Rony was the standout bowler for Central Zone, claiming four wickets for 59 runs, supported by Ripon Mondol (two) and Taskin Ahmed (one).

In reply, Central Zone’s chase was anchored by Jishan, even as wickets fell at the other end. Mohammad Naim Sheikh and Saif Hassan struggled, while Mahfijul Islam Robin contributed 54 from 81 balls. Irfan Shukkur fell for a golden duck, and Mahidul Islam Ankon added 39.

After Jishan’s dismissal for 127 off 93 balls, Saikat took control in the final overs, smashing a sensational 54 not out from 26 deliveries, including four fours and four sixes, to secure a thrilling victory in 49.2 overs.

For North Zone, Rishad Hossain took three wickets, while Shoriful Islam and SM Meherob claimed two each.Source: daily Sun

BP/SP