Nayeem Converts Maiden First-Class Century into Double Ton

Nayeem Ahmed celebrated wildly as a glance off Kamrul Islam Rabbi’s bowling reached the boundary, turning his maiden first-class century into a double century. On Wednesday, he became the fifth Bangladeshi batter to convert his first first-class century into a double hundred. Taibur Rahman, Mosaddek Hossain, Towhid Hridoy and Abdullah Al Mamun had achieved the feat before him.

Rajshahi declared their first innings immediately after Mr. Nayeem reached his double century against Barishal. After scoring 457 for seven, Rajshahi ended the third day in a strong position. Barishal reached 249 for five in their second innings, taking a lead of just 21 runs.

Barishal opener Jawayad Abrar was dismissed for 91 off just 94 balls. The Bangladesh Under-19 batter struck nine fours and four sixes. He also set a record for the fastest fifty in the National Cricket League, reaching the milestone in just 22 balls.

Meanwhile, Azizul Hakim scored his maiden first-class century in only his fifth match in the format. The former Bangladesh Under-19 captain made 142 for Khulna in their second innings against Chittagong in Sylhet. The opener hit nine fours and 10 sixes in his 147-ball innings.

Mr. Azizul had retired hurt on 12 the previous day because of an injury. Khulna resumed on 161 for six and were eventually bowled out for 323. Of the 162 runs added on Wednesday, Mr. Azizul scored 130. After Khulna lost their ninth wicket at 256, Mr. Azizul added 67 runs for the tenth wicket with Shohor Ali. Mr.  Shohor contributed no runs, while Mr.  Azizul scored 65 and extras accounted for two.

Chittagong, set a target of 275, finished the day at 174 for five. Openers Mahmudul Hasan (60) and Sadikur Rahman (76) put on 129 runs before the team lost five wickets for just 25 runs and came under pressure. Khulna left-arm spinner Rakib Hawladar, who came on as a concussion substitute for Samiun Basir, took four wickets.

Sylhet Lead Rangpur by 208 Runs

In Chittagong, Sylhet held a 208-run lead over Rangpur at the end of the third day. After batting throughout the day, Sylhet finished on 235 for eight, with Amit Hasan unbeaten on 94.

Dhaka-Mymensingh Match Heading for a Draw

The match between Mymensingh and Dhaka in Cox’s Bazar appears likely to end in a draw, as Dhaka’s second innings remained unfinished at the close of the third day. Dhaka ended the day at 342 for nine, still 45 runs behind Mymensingh. Captain Mohammad Nayeem scored 135, while Taibur Rahman made 93. Mymensingh captain Rakibul Hasan took four wickets.