After the second day of the Bangladesh Cricket League’s (BCL) inaugural round in Sylhet yesterday, Towhid Hridoy’s undefeated century maintained North Zone in contention to grab a first-innings lead over Central Zone.
North finished the day on 236 for eight, thanks to Hridoy’s 132 off 138 balls, in response to Central’s first-innings total of 281.
Except for Hridoy and Rishad Hossain, who scored 46 off 68 balls, none of North’s hitters were able to make an impact on a tough pitch at Sylhet Outer Stadium.
The 23-year-old right-hander, known for his attacking style for Bangladesh in limited-over games, is aiming for his Test debut.
“Every athlete grows up dreaming of wearing the red ball and white shirt. “Today’s century in the first match of the Bangladesh Cricket League will provide even more motivation,” Hridoy posted on Facebook after hitting his third first-class century, which included 13 fours and four sixes.
Central’s pacers Abu Hider and Shohidul Islam, as well as off spinner Shuvagata Hom, each grabbed two wickets.
Central began the day on 256 for eight, adding 25 runs to their overnight total. Naeem Islam, who had set a national record with his 33rd first-class century the day before, was eventually removed on a 195-ball 122 that included three sixes and nine fours.
South Zone responded impressively at Chattogram’s Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, finishing the day on 123 for two after Tanvir Islam’s five-wicket haul helped restrict East Zone to 402 in their first innings.
Soumya Sarkar and Anamul Haque, both returned to the Tigers white-ball series in New Zealand, failed to convert their starts. Soumya was out on 38 off 48 balls by off spinner Naeem Ahmed, while Anamul was out on 19 off 26 balls.
Mohammad Mithun and Fazle Mahmud then stabilised the ship with an unbroken 61-run partnership for the third wicket.