East Zone’s Tamim Iqbal has become only the second batsman to hit a triple century in Bangladesh first-class cricket history on the third day of the first round matches of the Bangladesh Cricket League Sunday.
Tamim hit the record 334 not out innings against Central Zone at Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National cricket Stadium.
In the other match of the day, three centuries from South Zone batsmen Shahriar Nafees, Shamsur Rahman Shuvo and Mahmudullah Riyad led them to a strong position, with North Zone chasing 454 in the fourth innings.
East Zone vs Central Zone:
At Mirpur, East Zone declared on 555 for the loss of just two wickets on the back of Tamim’s triple century. Tamim started the day on 222 not out and eventually finished unbeaten on 334 after the lunch session.
The innings is the highest score for any batsman in Bangladesh first-class cricket history, surpassing Raqibul Hasan’s 313.
Tamim hit the 334 runs off just 426 deliveries, with 42 boundaries and three sixes. The previous highest number of boundaries in a single innings was 37, struck by Mosaddek Hossian when he scored 282 runs a few years ago. Tamim has also now scored more than 7000 runs in first-class cricket.
In reply, Central Zone lost three wickets and finished the day on 115/3 in their second innings. They still trail by 227 runs, and East Zone has one innings left to bat.
Former greats hail #Tamim https://t.co/xL9qriXI8i
— Dhaka Tribune Sports (@Sport_DT) February 2, 2020
South Zone vs North Zone
The South Zone batsmen produced a commanding display in Chittagong, with opener Shahriar Nafees, number four batsman Shamsur Rahman and number five Mahmudullah all scoring centuries to pile on runs.
South Zone declared on 398/8 in their second innings, setting a massive 454 run target for North Zone to win the match.
North Zone finished the day on 22 for no loss in their second innings.
Veteran opener Shahriar Nafees scored 111, including twelve boundaries. This is his 15th century in first class cricket, and the innings he also took him beyond the 8000 run mark in first class cricket.
Shamsur struck a confident 109, including 11 boundaries. Mahmudullah stuck his 100 off just 70 deliveries, with eight fours and five sixes.
8TH BCL, RD 1, DAY 3
NORTH ZONE 207 (Shafiul 6/40, Razzak 4/72) & 22/0 in 6 overs need 432 runs against SOUTH ZONE 262 & 398/3d in 102 overs (Shahriar 111, Shamsur 109)
CENTRAL ZONE 213 & 115/3 in 40 overs (Shanto 54, Nayeem 2/36) trail EAST ZONE 555/2d in 139.5 overs (Tamim 334*, Mominul 111) by 227 runs