Chattogram tightens grip over Rajshahi

Bangla Press Desk:  Chattogram Division strengthened their grip over Rajshahi Division on Day 3 of the 27th National Cricket League (NCL) at the  Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, Rajshahi, leaving the hosts needing 264 runs with six wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Resuming the morning on 133 for 4, Chattogram built on their strong position thanks to Yasir Ali Chowdhury's fluent 92, guiding his team to a commanding second-innings total of 277 for 9 declared. Yasir’s knock, laced with elegant stroke play, ensured Chattogram’s overall lead swelled to 482 runs.

Supporting him, Irfan Shukkur chipped in with 41, while first-innings hero Hasan Murad, who earlier took six wickets, added a quickfire 32 off 39 balls. Spinner Nayeem Hasan also played a brisk cameo, scoring 22 from 23 deliveries. For Rajshahi, Shafiqul Islam led the bowling attack with 4 for 66, while Asaduzzaman Payel and Taijul Islam picked up three and two wickets, respectively.

Chasing a monumental 483-run target, Rajshahi endured early trouble, slipping to 129 for 4, as Chattogram’s bowlers kept the pressure on. Sabbir Hosan (17), Habibur Rahman Sohan(45 off 33), Rahim Ahmed (9), and Sabbir Rahman (31) were all dismissed within the first half of the innings.

However, an unbeaten 90-run partnership between Pritom Kumar (56 off 91) and S M MEHEROB HASAN(54 off 61) helped Rajshahi steady the innings and delay Chattogram’s victory charge.

By stumps, Rajshahi stood at 219 for 4, still needing 264 more runs to pull off. For Chattogram, Ahmed Sharif claimed two wickets for 40 runs, while Fahad Hossain added one to keep the visitors firmly in control going into the final day’s play.

BP/SP