Rakib Howlader never expected to make his first-class debut, but the 17-year-old left-arm spinner seized his chance as a concussion substitute to claim five wickets and help Khulna beat Chattogram by 10 runs in the National Cricket League (NCL).
Chasing 275 at the Sylhet Academy Ground, Chattogram made a promising start with a 129-run opening stand. Rakib broke the partnership by bowling opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 60 before ripping through the middle order to finish with 5-89, bowling Chattogram out for 264.
Rakib, who plays in Dhaka’s third-division league, was not in Khulna’s original XI. He came on as a concussion substitute after teammate Samiun Basir Ratul suffered a head injury while batting in the second innings. He announced his arrival with four wickets for 44 runs in the final hour of the third day before dismissing Ahmed Sharif lbw on the fifth day to complete his five-wicket haul.
Chattogram, who resumed the final day on 174-5, needed 101 more runs but managed only 90 from their last five wickets.
The victory lifted Khulna to the top of the table with 19 points, while Chattogram sit fourth with 11 after three rounds.
In Rajshahi, left-arm spinner Shafiqul Islam claimed five wickets as the hosts cruised to victory over Barishal. Barishal, who were 249-5 overnight, added only 25 runs before being bowled out for 274 in their second innings. Rajshahi chased down the 49-run target with eight wickets to spare.
Sylhet beat Rangpur by 37 runs in Chattogram, with left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed taking 5-69 and off-spinner Nayeem Ahmed claiming 4-53.
Sylhet added just two runs to their overnight total of 237-8 before being dismissed in 17 balls, setting Rangpur a target of 211. Anik Sarker made 55 and Abdullah Al Mamun 44, but Rangpur lost their last six wickets for 50 runs and were bowled out for 173. Captain Akbar Ali scored just 10.
The match between Dhaka and Mymensingh in Cox’s Bazar ended in a draw. Dhaka added 35 runs to their overnight 342-9 before Mymensingh closed the day on 167-3 in their second innings.
Ariful Islam narrowly missed a century, finishing unbeaten on 92 off 163 balls, with five fours and four sixes.