Saif, Miraz star to keep their sides on course in NCL

Saif Hasan struck a brilliant century but had to retire hurt while off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed four-for in their side's respective matches in the second round of National Cricket League's (NCL) Tier-1 game.

Saif Hasan had to leave the ground after sustaining a hamstring injury but before that he struck 120 off 173 with 13 fours and three sixes as Dhaka Division piled up 314-4 against Rangpur on day one at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

Following the captain Nadif Chowdhury's decision to bat first, Abdul Mazid and Rony Talukdar made a solid start, sharing 66 runs for the opening stand. Mazid was the first to go after scoring 17 but Rony scored 65.

Saif and Raqibul Hasan combined for 127 for the third wicket stand to bolster the side's position further. Raqibul scored 57.

Before the bails were drawn for the day, Shuvagata Hom and Sumon Khan were batting on 8 and 2 runs respectively.

Suhrawardi Shuvo took 2-80 for Rangpur on day 1.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz snapped up 4-38 after bowling 21.3 overs to help his side Khulna Division to restrict Rajshahi Division all out for 261 in their first innings on day one at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna.

Playing his first match in this tournament, fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman took 2-61 but he conceded four runs per over. Another fast bowler Rubel Hossain also dazzled with 2-51.

Rajshahi had the batsmen like Mushfiqur Rahim, Nazmul Hossain Shanto to deal with the bowling attack that comprised with most of the first choice national bowlers. But both of them faded after a brief start. Mushfiqur was out on 24 while Shanto scored 23.

Former national opener Junaid Siddique stood tall against Khulna attack, making a stubborn 51. Captain Farhad Hossain made 45 while Farhad Reza was the other notable scorer with 41. Late order batsman, Taijul Islam put up a valuable contribution with scoring 29, which enabled Rajshahi to propel past 250.