Nayeem 10-for, Mominul, Yasir Ali tons give East Zone massive win

A win by 321 runs against Central Zone in Sylhet has propelled East Zone to the top of the table from the third position in the last round of BCL 2018-19. Eight wickets from 18-year-old offspinner Nayeem Hasan bowled out Central Zone for only 134 in their chase of 456, giving East Zone 11.2 points compared to Central Zone's 1.5.

Nayeem completed his 10-wicket haul after Imrul Kayes (78), Mominul Haque (82) and Mahmudul Hasan (94) put on half-centuries in the first innings that saw East Zone pile up 425. Mahmudul fell six short of his second first-class hundred as he was bowled by Taskin Ahmed, who shone with 4 for 96 off his 19.5 overs. Abu Hider, Mosaddek Hossain and Mosharraf Hossain, meanwhile, took two wickets apiece.

In reply, Central Zone managed only 224, undone largely by Taijul Islam's 6 for 92. Opener Pinak Ghosh (51) and Mosaddek (57) were the only batsmen to chip in with fifties, their side losing the last five wickets for only 31 runs.

Brisk hundreds from captain Mominul (100 off 106) and No. 4 Yasir Ali (101* off 109) in the second innings ensured East Zone declared on 254 for 3 after only 43 overs on the third day. The target of 456 proved too much for Central Zone, who folded inside 43 overs. None of their batsmen could reach 40 as Nayeem completed his second 10-for in first-class cricket.

Meanwhile, South Zone remained in contention for the title, still 62 runs ahead of North Zone, who are five wickets down for 186 in their second dig in Chittagong. A convincing victory would help South Zone pip East Zone to the top of the table and the trophy.