Nayeem double ton, Zawad record fifty light up NCL

Nayeem Ahmed struck the National Cricket League's first double century of the season, while Zawad Abrar set a new record for the fastest fifty in Bangladesh first-class cricket as batters dominated the third day of the third round on Tuesday. Azizul Hakim Tamim and Mohammad Naim also struck centuries in their respective matches.

In Rajshahi, Nayeem converted his overnight 176 not out into an unbeaten 202 off 267 balls, recording his maiden double ton to help Rajshahi Division declare their first innings at 457 for seven and take a 228-run lead over Barishal Division. Ruyel Miah claimed three wickets for Barishal in the bowling effort.

Barishal opener Zawad then lit up the contest with a stellar 91 off 94 balls, reaching his half-century off just 22 deliveries to break Ziaur Rahman's 24-ball record set in the 2014-15 NCL season. Barishal reached 249 for five at stumps, moving 21 runs ahead of Rajshahi.

In Sylhet, Chattogram Division need another 101 runs to win after reaching 174 for five at stumps while chasing a target of 275 against Khulna Division. Resuming at 161 for six, Khulna relied on Tamim's maiden first-class century of 142 from 147 balls, featuring nine fours and 10 sixes, to post 323.

Tamim also shared a 67-run last-wicket stand with Sofor Ali, who remained unbeaten on zero. Mohammad Rubel and Joy claimed three wickets apiece for Chattogram before their openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy (60) and Sadikur Rahman (76) added 129 runs.

Left-arm spinner Rakib Howladar struck four times as a concussion replacement for Samiun Bashir Ratul, finishing with 4-44 to reduce Chattogram to 154 for five and set up an intriguing final day. In Cox's Bazar, Dhaka skipper Mohammad Naim scored 135 off 206 balls for his sixth first-class century, while Taibur Rahman added 93 as Dhaka reached 342 for nine against Mymensingh.

Sylhet Division built a 208-run lead over Rangpur Division in Chattogram, reaching 235 for eight at stumps. Amite Hasan held firm with an unbeaten 94 off 198 balls to keep Sylhet in contention for a victory push on the final day.