Nayeem Ahmed is on the brink of a double century after scoring his maiden first-class hundred, steering Rajshahi towards a commanding position against Barishal in the National Cricket League (NCL) on Monday.

The left-handed batter, who had no century in his previous four first-class matches and a highest score of 81, remained unbeaten on 176 at stumps on the second day. He struck 25 fours in his 233-ball knock and needs just 24 more runs to reach 200.

After playing three matches for Rajshahi last season, Nayeem has secured a regular place in the side this time around.

Rajshahi resumed the day on 24-1 and built a substantial total through Naim and Sabbir Rahman, who fell 14 runs short of a century. SM Meherob was unbeaten on 57 as Rajshahi reached 424-5, securing a first-innings lead of 195 runs.

At the Sylhet Academy Ground, Khulna claimed a 112-run first-innings lead over Chattogram. Resuming on 72-3, Chattogram were dismissed for 250, with Shahadat Hossain Dipu (50), Irfaan Shukkur (59) and Shamim Hossain (51) scoring half-centuries. Khulna’s Sheikh Parvez Jibon took four wickets for 47 runs.

Khulna reached 161-6 in their second innings, with Afif Hossain unbeaten on 58 and Anamul Haque Bijoy scoring 53.

In another match at Chattogram, Rangpur were bowled out for 206 against the hosts. Captain Akbar Ali top-scored with 74 off 165 balls, while Sylhet’s Nayeem Ahmed took four wickets for 33 runs and Nasum Ahmed claimed three.

Sylhet finished on 34 without loss in their second innings, taking a seven-run overall lead.

At Cox’s Bazar, Mymensingh posted 387 in their first innings against Dhaka.

Shuvagata Hom scored 71 and skipper Rakibul Hasan 61, while Dhaka’s Aminul Islam Biplob took four wickets for 78 runs and Sumon Khan claimed three.

Dhaka ended the day on 120-4 in their second innings, still trailing by 267 runs.