East, South lead BCL final round

Islami Bank East Zone and Prime Bank South Zone are in commanding positions in their respective 6th and final round matches of Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) at the end of the 2nd day of the four-day affairs at two separate venues across the country on Tuesday, reports UNB.

East Zone were leading by 203 runs with 10 wickets in hand against Walton Central Zone at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium while South Zone by 114 runs with five wickets to spare against BCB North Zone at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram.

National opener Anamul Haque Bijoy and Al Amin hit centuries for South Zone while left-arm national spinner Taijul Islam scalped six wickets for East Zone highlighting the 2nd day (Tuesday).

East Zone, which are playing their last BCL match of the year against Central Zone, posted 425 runs in the first innings of the match thanks to the four fifties by Imrul Kayes (78), Mominul Haque (82), Mahmudul Hasan (94) and Zakir Hasan (57).

Taskin Ahmed, the right-arm pacer of Walton Central Zone, took four wickets while Abu Hider Rony, Mosaddek Hossain and Mosharraf Hossain Rubel grabbed two wickets each.

In reply, Central Zone tumbled for 224 runs in their first innings. Taijul Islam, the left-arm national spinner, grabbed six wickets for East Zone which ensured a big lead of 201 runs for his team in the first innings.

In the 2nd innings, East Zone scored two runs in one over without losing any wicket to extend the overall lead to 203 when the bails were drawn for the 2nd day.

In the other BCL match, Prime Bank South Zone are facing BCB North Zone at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram where South Zone were leading by 114 runs with half of their wickets in hand.

In the first innings on Monday, North Zone were wrapped up for 293 runs with Ariful Haque hitting the biggest innings of 98 runs. Veteran left arm spinner Abdur Razzak took seven wickets for South Zone conceding 69 runs on the first day.

After the tremendous bowling show, South Zone rolled over the North Zone with Anamul Haque and Al Amin (110) hitting centuries. At the end of the second day's play, Anamul remained unbeaten on 155. Mahedi Hasan hit 84 for them as well.

Ebadat Hossain and Sunzamul Islam bagged two wickets each for North Zone.

The ongoing 6th round became a perfect final stage for the participating teams as every team has the chance to win the title.

Walton Central Zone started the final round with most points as they managed 21.87 after the first five rounds, South Zone are just after them with 20.63 points. East Zone started the final round with 17.89 points while North Zone managed 17.68 points.