Mehidy, Anamul and Mahedi star as Khulna claim hat-trick of NCL titles

Khulna Division completed a hat-trick of National Cricket League titles after crushing Dhaka Division by an innings and 49 runs. They have now become the country's most successful first-class team having eclipsed five-time champions Rajshahi Divison.

Mehidy Hasan set up the victory at the BKSP-3 ground with a seven-wicket haul in the first innings as Dhaka were bowled out for 113 in 38.4 overs. Mehidy's 7 for 24 was his best bowling figures, and he finished the game with his third 10-for in first-class cricket.

Khulna replied with 459 for 8 in only 91 overs with Anamul Haque making his second first-class double-hundred while Mahedi Hasan blasted 177. Anamul struck 23 fours and four sixes in his 251-ball 202. Mahedi hammered 21 fours and two sixes in his 160-ball effort. The pair added 295 runs for the second wicket.

Later, Mehidy and Rubel Hossain took three wickets each as Dhaka were bowled out for 297 in their second innings on the fourth morning.

Nasir Hossain fell five runs short of a triple-century during Rangpur Division's drawn game against Barisal Division in Chittagong. Nasir's 295, spanning ten hours and 510 balls and including 32 fours and three sixes, is now the second-highest score by a Bangladeshi in a first-class match.

His 368-run fifth wicket stand with Ariful Haque, who made 162, is now the fifth highest stand in Bangladesh's first-class history. Ariful struck 10 fours and two sixes in his 290-ball effort. Their partnership was the cornerstone of Rangpur's mammoth 614 for 7 in reply to Barisal's first=innings 335. Sohag Gazi had top-scored for Barisal with 99.

Barisal reached 217 for four on the final day and were relegated to Tier 2 alongside Dhaka Division.

Rajshahi Division were one of two teams to earn promotion for next season's NCL after they drew their last Tier-2 game against Dhaka Metropolis.

Batting first, Dhaka Metro posted 328 with Shadman Islam and Marshall Ayub hitting fifties. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took 5 for 105.

Rajshahi's reply was massive, as they posted 668 in 152.4 overs. Nazmul Hossain Shanto made 194 with 21 fours in seven hours and 42 minutes. He was involved in a record 341-run opening partnership with Mizanur Rahman, who made 175 off 210 balls, which included 30 fours and two sixes. Their partnership is a new high for opening stands in Bangladesh's domestic cricket.

Later, Farhad Reza also chipped in with 106 off 151 balls, an innings included 12 fours and five sixes.

The game meandered to a draw as Dhaka Metro reached 118 for five on the final day. Shafiul Islam took three wickets.

Sylhet Division also gained promotion to next year's Tier 1 after a drawn game against Chittagong Division.

Chittagong were bowled out for 215 with Abul Hasan and Enamul Haque jnr taking three wickets each. Yasir Ali top-scored with 81.

Offspinner Iftekhar Sajjad then took a five-wicket haul as Sylhet were shot out for just 137. Left-arm quick Mehedi Hasan Rana took three wickets.

Chittagong then stretched their lead to 458 thanks to more good form from Yasir, who struck an unbeaten century. His 102 came off 176 balls and contained seven fours and a six.

Rajin Saleh then played a typical backs-to-the-wall innings to save Sylhet from defeat, his 104 coming in five hours and 36 minutes on the final day. Sylhet reached 309 for 7 in 126 overs. Iftekhar and Rana took three wickets each.