Khulna Division made a winning start to the 27th National Cricket League (BCB), thrashing Barishal Division by seven wickets inside three days in their first round match at the Khulna Divisional Stadium on Monday.
Resuming day 3 on 119-4, Barishal were bowled out for 224 in their second innings, leaving Khulna a requirement for just 38 runs to victory.
Khulna reached the target in 10.5 overs, albeit with a hiccup that saw them lose three wickets.
But Khulna’s victory was never in doubt once they enforced a follow-on to Barishal after they were skittled out for just 126, replying to Khulna’s 313 all out in the first innings.
Trailing by 187 runs, it needed a massive effort from Barishal batters to leave Khulna in trouble, but they failed to do so.
Shamsur Rahman was the top-scorer for the side in the second innings with 44 while opener Iftikhar Hossain Ifti made 40. Fazle Mahmud was the other notable scorer with 32.
Afif Hossain, who ripped through Barishal batting lineup in the first innings with 6-31, including a hat-trick, took 2-51 in the second innings and finished the match with 8-82, a performance that earned him the man of the match award.
Yasen Muntasir, Abdul Halim and Nahidul Islam also took two wickets apiece.
–BSS
