Khulna Division held on for a ten-run win against Chattogram Division, in the third round of the NCL in Sylhet. Khulna move into top position with their second win as Chattogram suffered their first defeat of the season.
Batting first, Khulna were bowled out for 201, to which Chattogram replied with 250. Captain Irfan Shukkur and Shahadat Hossain struck half-centuries, while Sheikh Parvez Jibon took four wickets.
Khulna's young opener Azizul Hakim then took full responsibility, as the 19-year-old struck his maiden first-class century. He made 142 with nine fours and ten sixes, lasting three hours and 26 minutes. Khulna were bowled out for 323 runs, setting Chattogram with a 275-run fourth-innings target.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Sadikur Rahman both struck fifties, adding 129 runs for the opening stand. But they quickly slipped to 177 for 6, Shukkur held things for a while, making 46. The 17-year-old left-arm spinner Rakib Howlader stunned with his five-wicket haul, as he helped Khulna bowl out Chattogram for 264. Left-arm quick Mehedi Hasan Rana took four wickets, too.
Nayeem Ahmed's double-century propelled Rajshahi Division to an eight-wicket win against Barishal Division. Rajshahi are now placed in second position behind Khulna after three rounds.
Batting first, Barishal were bowled out for 229, to which Rajshahi replied with 457 for 7 before declaring. Nayeem made an unbeaten 202 with 27 fours and a six, lasting seven hours and 42 minutes at the crease. He added 152 for the fourth wicket with Sabbir Rahman who made 86. Nayeem put on another 110 runs for the sixth wicket with SM Meherob, who also struck a half-century.
Zawad Abrar replied with a 22-ball half-century, but couldn't quite bail out Barishal, who were bowled out for 274 in their second innings. Left-arm quick Shafiqul Islam took a five-wicket haul for Rajshahi, before they reached the 49 runs required to win the match.
Defending champions Rangpur Division meanwhile continued their difficult season, after Sylhet Division beat them by 37 runs. Batting first, Sylhet were bowled out for 179, with Mehedi Hasan and legspinner Shadhin Islam taking three wickets each.
Captain Akbari Ali and Mim Mosaddek struck fifties as Rangpur reached 206 all out, for a lead of 27 runs. Offspinner Naeem Ahmed took four wickets.
Amite Hasan's 94 kept Sylhet in the game, as they were bowled out for 237. Left-arm spinner Abu Hasim took four wickets, before Rangpur were bowled out for 173. Left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed took a five-wicket haul, while Naeem made it eight wickets in the match.
Mymensingh Division and Dhaka Division played out a draw in Cox's Bazar. Both teams have now drawn all three of their respective matches.
Mymensingh banked on Mahfijul Islam's third first-class century, his second of the season, as they made 387. Mahfijul made 116 with nine fours and a six, while legspinner Aminul Islam took four wickets.
Dhaka captain Mohammad Naim replied with a century, with 13 fours and three sixes. Taibur Rahman contributed with 93, including five fours and three sixes. Mymensingh captain Rakibul Hasan took four wickets. Ariful Islam's 92 helped Mymensingh reach 167 for 3, before the game petered to a draw
Mohammad Isam is Cricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84