Robiul’s five-for powers North Zone to dominant win

Pacer Robiul Hoque claimed a superb five-wicket haul as North Zone secured a commanding 10-wicket victory over South Zone inside three days in the opening round of the 12th Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) four-day format at the Sylhet Outer Stadium on Thursday.

Robiul returned figures of 5-53 in the second innings -- his fourth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket -- while spin duo Taijul Islam and S M Meherob Hasan chipped in with two wickets apiece. Their combined effort bundled South Zone out for just 172, leaving North Zone a modest target of 61.

Opener Sabbir Hosan then ensured there were no hiccups, smashing an unbeaten 54 off just 35 deliveries, featuring three fours and four sixes, as North Zone raced to 61 without loss to seal a comprehensive win.

Earlier, resuming on 379 for six, North Zone added 47 more runs before being bowled out for 426, securing a first-innings lead of 112. Pritom Kumar top-scored with a fluent 155 off 203 balls, while Sunzamul Islam contributed 45.

For South Zone, pacer Sofor Ali impressed with 5-99 -- his fourth five-for in just eight first-class matches -- while Abu Jayed and Samiun Basir Ratul picked up two wickets each.

Meanwhile, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, East Zone moved closer to victory by reducing Central Zone to 82 for seven in their second innings at stumps on day three. Central Zone still trail by 74 runs, leaving East Zone in firm control.

Earlier in the day, East Zone’s Amite Hasan produced a standout performance. Playing as a concussion substitute for Jaker Ali, he resumed yesterday on 88 and went on to score a brilliant 162 off 265 balls – his 11th first-class century. The 24-year-old continued his consistent run in domestic cricket and further strengthened his case for a maiden Test call-up ahead of next month’s two-match series against Pakistan.

He received solid support from Mushfiqur Rahim, who made 83, and Yasir Ali, who remained unbeaten on 79, as East Zone posted 463 in their first innings to take a lead of 156.

For Central Zone, left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan claimed 5-152 -- his fourth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket -- while pacer Anamul Haque took two wickets.

However, Central Zone faltered badly in their second innings. They lost openers Mohammad Naim (4) and Mahfijul Islam Robin (13) early and continued to crumble under pressure, ending the day in a precarious position.

For East Zone, pacer Khaled Ahmed led the attack with 3-23, while left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claimed two wickets.