Irfan Sabri Takrir and Rabiul Islam Robi made memorable starts to the National Cricket League (NCL) Second XI, with Takrir hitting a century and Robi claiming seven wickets on the opening day of the three-day tournament on Wednesday.
The competition has been introduced to help players who missed out on the National Cricket League, along with cricketers from Dhaka’s first, second and third divisions, adapt to longer-format cricket.
At the Purbachal National Cricket Ground, Takrir struck 116 off 197 balls against Barishal Second XI to put Chattogram in a strong position at 337-6 at stumps.
Takrir, who recently represented Fortis in the regional cricket competition in Chattogram, anchored the Chattogram innings with his century.
At the BKSP-2 ground, Khulna off-spinner Robi ripped through the Dhaka Second XI batting line-up, taking 7-50 as they were bowled out for 143.
Robi, who has played first-class cricket for Rangpur Division, gave the Dhaka batters little chance to settle. Khulna finished the day on 118-5 in reply.
At BKSP-3, Sylhet Second XI were dismissed for just 38 in 22.2 overs by a dominant Rangpur bowling attack.
Rangpur reached 128-6 by the close, taking a 90-run lead.
At BKSP-4, Rajshahi bowled Mymensingh out for 137 before ending the day on 125-3, just 12 runs behind.
