Akbar digs deep to save Rangpur

Rangpur Division captain Akbar Ali orchestrated a crucial rescue act at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, hitting a resilient 64 to secure a draw against Dhaka Division as the first round of the National Cricket League (NCL) concluded on Tuesday.

Rangpur resumed the fourth day in deep trouble after losing three wickets for zero runs late on Day 3. 

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Navigating interruptions for bad light and rain, they collapsed further to 48 for 5. Akbar then anchored the innings, facing 132 balls to drag his side to safety. Arif Ahmed claimed three wickets for Dhaka as Rangpur were eventually bowled out for 149, establishing a 205-run second-innings lead. Dhaka safely reached nine without loss before the match was called a draw.

All three matches that reached a fourth day ended in stalemates, following Khulna's decisive victory over Barishal by an innings and 135 runs on Monday.

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Mahfijul Islam converted his overnight score of 86 into his third first-class century. Solid contributions from Abdul Majid (87) and Ariful Islam (72) powered Mymensingh to 372 for 6, building a lead of over 300 against Sylhet before afternoon rain forced a draw. Nayeem Ahmed was the standout bowler for Sylhet, taking 5 for 119 in the second innings.

Meanwhile, Rajshahi Division and Chattogram Division agreed to a draw at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. Sabbir Rahman’s 112-ball knock guided Rajshahi to 224 for 8 before the teams shook hands.