Dhaka Division win to take NCL title

Dhaka Division became National Cricket League champions after seven years by securing a five-wicket win against last year's winners Khulna Division in the final round. They finished with 132 points, 21 ahead of Rajshahi Division.

Batting first, Khulna were bowled out for 243 runs, to which Dhaka replied with 252 in their first innings. Dhaka wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan scored his second first-class century, helping the team to a nine-run lead after they were in a spot of bother at 96 for 5.

Anamul Haque struck a second-innings century, but three wickets apiece from Nazmul Islam, Shuvagata Hom and Taibur Rahman skittled out Khulna for 232. Dhaka needed 224 to win, and they achieved the target thanks to Rony Talukder's 90 off 178 balls.

Rajshahi Division beat Dhaka Metropolis by four wickets, to end a second successive unsuccessful campaign with something to cheer. Rajshahi had won four consecutive NCL titles from 2008-09 to 2011-12.

Dhaka Metro were bowled out for 126 in this game, with the seamer Delwar Hossain taking five wickets. Rajshahi went on to take an 81-run lead after which Dhaka Metro mended themselves by scoring 352 in the second innings with four half-centuries from Shadman Islam, Saikat Ali, Asif Ahmed and Elias Sunny.

In the ensuing chase, Sabbir Rahman and Farhad Reza took Rajshahi from a precarious 120 for 6 to 275 for 6 in an unbroken 155-run seventh-wicket stand.

Chittagong Division crushed Sylhet Division by 258 runs at the BKSP-3 ground. Chittagong started off ordinarily, getting bundled out for 213 but Sylhet did not fare any better and were dismissed for 190.

Mominul Haque then struck 168 as Chittagong declared at 415 for 9 in the second innings, setting up a huge chase for Sylhet, who were promptly bowled out for 180. Mohammad Younus was the pick of the bowlers, snaring five wickets.

Rangpur Division also ended their campaign on the right note, beating Barisal Division by an innings and 25 runs.

Batting first, Barisal were bowled out for 289, to which Rangpur replied by posting a mammoth 543 for 9 before declaring. Dhiman Ghosh and Tanveer Haider scored centuries for Rangpur.

Barisal were then bowled out for 229 runs in 61.5 overs, with Suhrawardi Shuvo taking three wickets for Rangpur.