Published: 02:13 AM, 28 February 2026
Liton fifty leads North Zone to second straight victory
Liton Das hit an unbeaten half-century as North Zone secured a six-wicket victory over South Zone in low-scoring game of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day format at Rajshahi Divisional Stadium on Thursday.
Put into bat first, South Zone were bowled out for 144 in 30.5 overs, a total North Zone overhauled in just 25.4 overs, reaching 145-4, thanks to an 55 not out from Liton.
This was North Zone's second straight victory, having earlier thrashed East Zone by 54 runs.
South Zone pacer Mustafizur Rahman, however, jolted North Zone with a brilliant bowling with the new ball, giving the side a glimmer of hope to win the game despite paltry total on the board. He claimed three wickets in his first two overs, leaving North Zone to a precarious 37-3 in just fifth over.
Habibur Rahman Sohan and Tanzid Hasan Tamim made a boundary-filled start in pursuit of the chase before Mustafizur struck twice in three balls, dismissing Habibur for 6 ball-14 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for two ball-duck.
He then came back to trap Tanzid leg-before for 13 ball-28 to eventually finish with the figure of 3-23.
With the side in the danger, Liton and Towhid Hridoy steadied the innings with 80-run partnership for the fourth wicket, which edged the side closer to the victory.
Hridoy was out for 33 but Liton and Akbar secured the victory without further trouble. Liton struck six fours in his 55 off 65 while Akbar who hammered a century in the first match was unbeaten on 19.
Earlier, Nahid Rana and Shoriful Islam put up a gem of fast bowling show as South Zone made a horrendous start and were reduced to 19-4.
Mohammad Mithun, however, took the onus and drove the side by remaining unbeaten on 55. Robiul Haque made 29 while captain Nurul Hasan Sohan added 24.
Nahid Rana who sliced South Zone's top order along with Shoriful Islam, returned figures of 3-47. Shoriful Islam ended with 2-28.
SM Mehero cleaned up the tail with 3-10 in five overs.
Meanwhile, opener Naim Sheikh and Abu Haider Rony struck two contrasting fifties as Central Zone thrashed East Zone by five wickets at Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogura.
Asked to bat first, East Zone piled up a challenging 237-9 but Central Zone got over the line with incredible ease, reaching 240-5 for a victory.
Opener Naim Sheikh provided the platform with 98 ball-83, a knock studded by five fours and two sixes.
Abu Haider Rony, however, gave the finishing touch with a whirlwind 42 ball-66 not out not, laced with six fours and four sixes.
Together they added 74 runs for fifth wicket to edge the side closer to the victory. Naim, however, missed out the century when Nayeem Hasan had him caught by Khaled Ahmed.
Mahfijul Islam Robin was the other notable scorer with 29.
Earlier, most of the East Zone batter got the desired start but couldn't convert it to big knock which denied them posting a healthy total.
Opener Zakir Hasan was the top-scorer for the side with 45 while captain Yasir Ali Chowdhury made 37. Mominul Haque was the other notable scorer with 34.
Rakibul Hasan claimed 3-27 to be the standout bowler from Central Zone while Taskin Ahmed and Ripon Mondol grabbed two wickets apiece.
