Dhaka Division produced one of their most commanding batting displays of the season at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, piling up a mammoth first-innings total before tearing through Chattogram’s top order to leave their opponents’ title aspirations hanging by a thread.
Dhaka resumed the second day on 356 for 2, with opener Anisul Islam on a career-best 183 and eyeing an ambitious maiden double century. However, his dream lasted only three more runs. In the morning session, national team pacer Hasan Mahmud delivered a sharp rising delivery that forced a faint edge to the wicketkeeper, ending Anisul’s exceptional innings at 186. The disappointment was evident, but his knock had already laid the foundations for Dhaka’s dominance.
Marshall Ayub, who had partnered Anisul in a commanding 206-run stand for the third wicket, had completed his century the previous day. The seasoned campaigner extended his innings to 165 before falling to left-arm spinner Hasan Murad. It marked Marshall’s 29th first-class century, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket.
Another highlight of the day came from Ashiqur Rahman. The Dhaka opener had retired hurt on 27 the previous afternoon but returned to the crease following Anisul’s dismissal. Displaying admirable composure and determination, he crafted an unbeaten 100—his third first-class century—before Dhaka declared at 541 for 6.
Chattogram’s response was disastrous. Under immense scoreboard pressure, they slumped to 23 for 4 within a short span, undone by relentless pace bowling from Dhaka’s seam trio. Yasir Ali and Irfan Sukkur attempted to rebuild, stitching together a 61-run partnership. However, Dhaka struck twice in the space of ten deliveries to remove both set batsmen, leaving Chattogram reeling at 94 for 6. Suman Khan took 3 wickets, Ripon Mondol claimed 2, while Salauddin Shakil added another to complete the rout.
Elsewhere, Mymensingh’s title hopes suffered a critical blow in Sylhet. Rajshahi, already out of the championship race, continued to play spoilsport. After securing an 82-run first-innings lead despite scoring only 219, they extended their advantage further, finishing day two on 210 for 6 in their second innings—a 292-run lead overall.
Earlier in the morning, Mymensingh resumed on 73 for 2 but collapsed spectacularly. Rajshahi’s veteran left-arm spinner Sanjamul delivered a brilliant spell, taking 5 wickets for just 18 runs in 5.1 overs. His one-spell demolition reduced Mymensingh from 120 for 5 to 137 all out, marking his 27th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
In Bogura, title contenders Khulna and Rangpur battled in a fluctuating contest. Khulna, who began at 302 for 9, managed only six more runs before being bowled out for 308. However, their pacer Safar Ali produced a superb performance, claiming 5 wickets to dismiss Rangpur for 174—his third five-wicket haul in just seven first-class matches. With a 134-run lead, Khulna’s second innings faltered early as they slumped to 41 for 5, though they still held a 175-run advantage by stumps.
Meanwhile, league leaders Sylhet faced early trouble against Barishal in Rajshahi. Barishal were dismissed for 312 after resuming on 269 for 9, with Sohag Gazi scoring a crucial 68 and adding all 43 runs in the tenth-wicket stand with Ruel Mia.
Sylhet’s reply began poorly, losing four wickets for just 47 runs. Captain Zakir Hasan then combined with Ashraful Hasan for a stabilising 113-run partnership. Zakir reached his 16th first-class century and remained unbeaten on 130 at stumps, crossing the 6,000-run milestone in the process. Sylhet finished on 214 for 5, still well in the contest.