Tamim's century

Chittagong captain Tamim Iqbal narrowly missed a first first-class double century on the second day of the Walton Refrigerator 14th National Cricket League match against Dhaka Metro on Sunday.

The southpaw fell for a majestic 192 in his side's first innings total of 411 at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra.

Tamim, who has not played in the first-class competition for quite some time, entertained the crowd with his stroke-play.

Despite losing skipper Mohammad Ashraful cheaply, Dhaka Metro made a spirited reply reaching 237 for three thanks mainly to a superb unbeaten century by Marshal Ayub (100) and Mehrab Hossain Jr, who was batting on 53.

They have so far added 139 runs for the fourth-wicket partnership.

Opener Shamsur Rahman hit 56 before he was the third wicket to fall on 98 runs.

Although Rajshahi skipper Mushfiqur Rahim did not bat he cheered spectators at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium with an appearance from the players' dressing room.

The Bangladesh skipper was involved in a nasty collision with team-mate Saqlain Sajib on Saturday on the opening day against Dhaka Division.

Dhaka Division lead the match by 233 runs with three wickets remaining.

Resuming on 137-6, Rajshahi eventually declared their first innings on 178 for eight.

Dhaka Division, who were dismissed for only 116, had a better day at the wicket when it was their turn to bat again.

Thanks to good contributions from the lower-order they scored 295-7 by the close of play.

An unbeaten century by national player Naeem Islam helped Rangpur add a further 73 runs to overnight first innings score of 222-6 against Sylhet at the Rangur Cricket Garden.

Sylhet ended the day trailing by 127 runs with six first-innings wickets remaining.

Naeem, who started on 88, held the team together with a 137 not out. During his 336-ball knock he struck 19 fours.

The situation in the match between Khulna and Barisal was evenly posed at the Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium.

Khulna were leading the match by 103 runs but they only have five second-innings wickets remaining.

Earlier, Khulna scored 314 all out then they dismissed their opponents for 278.

Bangladesh batsman Shahriar Nafees scored 60 but the real hero was Shohag Gazi who smashed 119 to confound the Khulna bowlers.

Gazi then rattled Khulna's second innings picking up 4-26 to leave the side struggling on 67 for five by stumps.
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