Nahid, Meherob star as North Zone win again

Pacer Nahid Rana and all-rounder S M Meherob Hasan delivered impressive spells as North Zone registered their second consecutive victory in the ongoing Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day competition with a six-wicket win over South Zone at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Thursday.

After opting to field first, North Zone bundled out South Zone for just 144 in 30.5 overs. Nahid returned figures of 3-47 in seven overs, while Meherob was even more economical, claiming 3-10 in five overs.

Pacer Shoriful Islam also chipped in with 2-28 as the pacers tore through the top order, reducing South Zone to 19 for four inside four overs.

Mohammad Mithun then tried to rebuild the innings with two crucial partnerships -- adding 50 runs with Nurul Hasan Sohan (24) and 51 with Robiul Hoque (29). However, South Zone suffered another collapse, losing their last five wickets for just 24 runs. Mithun remained unbeaten on 55 off 79 balls, while Mukidul Islam Mugdho picked up two wickets.

In reply, North Zone faced early trouble as Mustafizur Rahman struck three quick blows to leave them reeling at 37 for three in the fifth over.

But Litton Das anchored the chase with an unbeaten 55 off 65 deliveries, while Tawhid Hridoy contributed 33, guiding the side to 145 for four in 25.4 overs and handing South Zone their first defeat of the tournament.

In the day’s other match at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium, Central Zone defeated East Zone by five wickets to secure their first win of the competition.

Chasing 238, Mohammad Naim played a composed knock of 83 off 98 balls to steady the innings. Abu Hider Rony then produced a match-winning unbeaten 66 off just 42 deliveries, striking six fours and four sixes, as Central Zone reached 240 for five in 45.3 overs to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Earlier, East Zone made 237 for nine after being put in to bat. They were well placed at 103 for one in the 19th over, but regular wickets derailed their progress. Zakir Hasan top-scored with 45, while Yasir Ali and Mominul Haque added 37 and 34 respectively. For Central Zone, Rakibul Hasan claimed 3-27, while Taskin Ahmed and Ripon Mondol took two wickets each.

Despite the defeat, East Zone remain in contention for a place in the final. They must defeat South Zone by a big margin in their final league match and hope North Zone overcome Central Zone on the last day of the league stage.