Captain Nasir Hossain’s all-round performance saw BCB North Zone get off to a winning start in the first ever Bangladesh Cricket League one-day tournament at Fatullah yesterday.
The match went right down to the wire as Walton Central Zone bowlers maintained regular pressure in a bid to defend their 209 in 50 overs. Seamers Mohammad Shohid and Taskin Ahmed made North suffer at 93 for five before Nasir stepped up with Ariful Haque as his side kick.
The pair added a valuable 57 runs for the sixth wicket to pull North Zone out of trouble and although Ariful departed in the 41st over after a slow but crucial 47-ball 19, Nasir pressed on the accelerator and took his side past 200.
The right-hander, after making 76 off 94 with six fours and a six, became Taskin’s first victim in the evening and was caught by counterpart Mahmudullah with eight still needed off eight. Taskin spiced up the ending by sending back incoming batsman Muktar Ali for a two-ball duck.
Central skipper Mahmudullah fancied his chances by bowling the last over with eight to defend and failed horribly as Forhad Reza bagged the win with three balls to spare.
Earlier, it was Shamsur Rahman’s unusual batting that enabled Central post a decent 209 for six. The right-hander is known for his attacking batting approach, but his determination to survive on a slow and low wicket saw him remain unbeaten on 76.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bagged three wickets while off-spinner Nasir complimented him with two scalps.