Joy shines with ton as Chattogram dominate Rajshahi on Day 2

Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck the opening century of the National Cricket League season on Sunday, guiding Chattogram Division into a commanding position against Rajshahi Division on Day 2 at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium.

Recently left out of the Bangladesh Test side following a difficult patch of form, Joy responded with his seventh first-class hundred, remaining unbeaten on 102 off 170 deliveries.

Opening partner Sadikur Rahman provided solid support by staying unbeaten on 86, carrying Chattogram to 190 without loss by the end of Stumps.

Earlier in the day, Rajshahi's first innings concluded at 364 runs, with spinner Hasan Murad leading the bowling attack for Chattogram by claiming four wickets for 96 runs.

Meanwhile, Barishal Division endured a severe collapse, bowled out for a meager 94 against Khulna Division at the Khulna Divisional Stadium after Iftakhar Hossain top-scored with 44.

Khulna pace bowler Mehedi Hasan Rana bagged 3 for 25 and spinner Sheikh Parvez Jibon picked up 3 for 10 in just 3.4 overs, before Barishal closed the follow-on day at 43 for 2 in their second innings, still trailing by 289 runs.

At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Mohammad Chowdhury Rizwan delivered an all-round masterclass, converting his overnight 38 into a team-high 75 to drive Rangpur Division to 340 all out against Dhaka Division, before capturing 2 for 25 with the ball to reduce Dhaka to 120 for 6 at stumps.

Over at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet reached 236 for 5 in response to Mymensingh's 311, steadied by Asadullah Al Galib's unbeaten 55 after teammates Zakir Hasan and Shykat Ali failed to capitalize on starts of 60 and 41 respectively.