Taijul eight-for derails South Zone

Taijul Islam saved his best for the Bangladesh Cricket League final, picking up a career-best 8 for 86 as North Zone took the upper hand against South Zone on the first day in Mirpur.

The left-arm spinner, who was already the tournament's highest wicket-taker at the start of this game, took the first five South Zone wickets, preying on the aggression of the batsmen. He took another three by the end of the innings, with Sanjamul Islam picking up the remaining two wickets. This was his fourth consecutive five-for, and his fifth in six BCL innings to date.

Taijul was modest about his performance, although he struggled slightly as he bowled 28 overs on a hot day in Dhaka. He pointed out that the batsmen were far too aggressive on a good batting track.

"They were bowled out trying to force the issue," Taijul said. "But I am enjoying the time. It always feels great to take wickets. My captain and seniors are helping me a lot. There was a time when I was feeling bad out in the middle, but since I was getting the wickets, I could avoid it.

"If the batsmen are playing at every ball, it helps to get wickets. Since the wicket was good, our plan was to cut out the runs as much as possible. I didn't really think I would bowl so well, but it is not impossible to get the amount of wickets."

Put into bat first, South Zone started off well as Imrul Kayes dominated the opening stand with Anamul Haque. But the latter was caught by Farhad Hossain at cover as he tried to attack Taijul.

Imrul, who was responsible for the rapid start, was out for 38 as he too failed to loft Taijul and was caught at mid-on by Farhad Reza in the 18th over. Mithun Ali was caught at point by Sanjamul Islam, making it 91 for 3, after which Soumya Sarkar and Shuvagata Hom put together a recovery act.

The fourth-wicket pair added 89 runs for the fourth wicket when Soumya retired on 51 due to dehydration. Soon after, Shuvagata fell for 60 off 72 balls with seven fours and two sixes.

A mini-collapse ensued as South Zone slipped from 213-3 to 236-7 in 12.3 overs. Soumya returned to the crease and took his score to 70 off 131 balls before falling to yet another catch at long-on off Taijul.

The innings wrapped up quickly, and South Zone were bowled out for 271 with Naeem Islam taking a spectacular catch at long-on, juggling the ball while crossing the rope and jumping back before completing the catch to dismiss Mostafizur Rahman.

North Zone ended with 15 for no loss after the openers Maisuqur Rahman and Junaid Siddique batted for 8 overs.