Rangpur on verge of NCL double

Rangpur moved closer to a domestic double with a commanding seven-wicket win over Khulna on the third and penultimate day of their final-round National Cricket League (NCL) fixture in Bogura on Monday.

Chasing a modest target, Iqbal Hosen's unbeaten 114, supported by Naeem Islam (45) and skipper Akbar Ali (32 not out), guided Rangpur to 231 for three. Earlier, Mukidul Islam Mugdho (5-22) and Shoriful Islam (3-47) helped bowl Khulna out for 96.

The victory propelled Rangpur to the top of the eight-team standings with 31 points from seven matches.

With defending champions Sylhet (26 points) drawing against Barishal and Mymensingh (24) needing an improbable 201 runs with one wicket in hand against Rajshahi, Rangpur are all but certain to claim the four-day title for the first time since 2022–23.

Meanwhile, in Rajshahi, Barishal finished on 212 for four against Sylhet, extending their lead to 237. Iftakhar Hossain Ifti remained unbeaten on 93, while veteran Shamsur Rahman Shuvo scored 17 in his final first-class innings.

Sylhet earlier made 287 thanks to Zakir Hasan's 130, but Ruyel Miah's 5-84 kept them under pressure.

Elsewhere, Mymensingh fought back in Sylhet with Abu Hider Rony unbeaten on 97, ending the day at 227 for nine while chasing 428 against Rajshahi.

Sunzamul Islam (4 wickets) and Nihad Uz Zaman (3) starred for Rajshahi, who had earlier posted 345 in their second innings with Shakir Hossain Shuvo (94) and Rahim Ahmed (57).

Dhaka finished the season on a high, crushing Chattogram by an innings and 192 runs in Mirpur. Chattogram were dismissed for 158 and 191 despite Hasan Murad's 52-ball 52.