Tanvir’s 7-for steers Barishal to second victory

Bangla Press Desk:   Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam produced a match-winning spell to guide Barishal Division to their second win of the ongoing 27th National Cricket League, defeating Dhaka Division by six wickets on Tuesday.

Dhaka resumed their second innings at 124 for 5 at the Cox’s Bazar International Stadium but were bowled out for 169, with Tanvir returning impressive figures of 7 for 64. The remaining three wickets were claimed by fellow left-arm spinner Ovi Ahmed Nobel. Chasing 102, Barishal overcame a few hiccups but held their nerve, thanks to a composed unbeaten 57 from opener Iftakhar Hossain Ifti, which ensured a comfortable victory. Earlier, Barishal had posted 341 in reply to Dhaka’s 273 in the first innings. For his match haul of nine wickets, Tanvir Islam was named Player of the Match.

Meanwhile, at the Khulna Divisional Stadium, Khulna and Mymensingh played out a draw. Khulna closed the final day on 140 for 5 in their second innings, with opener Soumya Sarkar contributing 44 and Afif Hossain adding 38. Shuvagata Hom took two wickets for Mymensingh. Khulna had earlier posted a strong 387, built on Soumya Sarkar’s brilliant 186 and Kalam Siddiki’s 77. Mymensingh responded with a declaration at 459 for 8, powered by Al-Amin’s unbeaten 102 and identical scores of 81 from Azizul Hakim and Arif Ahmed. Soumya Sarkar was adjudged Player of the Match for his contributions across both innings.

After the completion of the fifth round, Rangpur Division remain at the top of the points table, with Khulna occupying second place.

BP/SP