Naim, Robin hit double hundreds as batters dominate NCL

Mohammad Naim Sheikh and Mahfijul Islam Robin delivered commanding performances to strike double centuries as batters dominated the second day of the fourth round of the National Cricket League (NCL) on Sunday.

Naim resumed his overnight innings on 171 and powered through to make 282, narrowly missing out on a triple century as Dhaka piled up a mammoth 521 all out against Rajshahi at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.

Mahidul Islam Ankon also impressed heavily with a resolute 289-ball 165, while Wasi Siddique emerged as the pick of the Rajshahi bowlers with figures of four for 112.

Rajshahi suffered a massive top-order collapse, slumping to 103 for six at stumps, with Sabbir Rahman providing some resistance through a run-a-ball 54.

Pacer Sumon Khan did the early damage by claiming three for 25, while left-arm spinner Taibur Rahman chipped in with two for five.

At the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura, opening batter Robin struck a magnificent 351-ball 217 to help Mymensingh declare on 465 for seven against Chattogram.

Mahmudul Hasan narrowly missed out on a well-deserved century by scoring 76, while Chattogram closed day two safely reaching 134 for two at stumps.

Meanwhile, following a complete washout on the opening day in Cox's Bazar, Zakir Hasan notched up his 17th first-class century, remaining unbeaten on 160 off 242 balls as Sylhet finished on 280 for two.

Over at the Sylhet Academy Ground, Barishal bundled out Rangpur for 402 after overnight batter Abdullah Al Mamun fell for 79. Rafsan Al Mahmud also fell short of a hundred by scoring 89 as Barishal reached 179 for three at stumps.