Siege stops play

A nationwide siege programme has caused havoc in Bangladesh's National Cricket league, with Dhaka's match against Barisal being postponed for "an indefinite period" and Chittagong's clash with Sylhet also under threat.

A non-stop countrywide blockade has been enforced by a 14-party alliance headed by the opposition Awami League, and according to Dhaka's Daily Star newspaper, the police have been directed to fire gunshots if the demonstrators attack them.

The demonstration means that Dhaka will have to wait to take their five remaining Barisal wickets at the Fatullah Stadium, after Mohammad Rafique's three-wicket burst gave them the upper hand on the third day's play. Needing 247 to win, Barisal were shakily placed at 78 for 5.

At the Chittagong Divisional Stadium, Sylhet were forced to follow-on after being bowled out for just 100 in their first innings, and though they reached 130 for 2 second-time around, the security situation is such that the match could be shifted to Monday, according to the match referee Rafiqul Alam.

The entire day's play at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium was called off due to rain and later, bad light. The hosts were leading by nine runs on the second day.