Despite conceding a lead in the first innings, Sylhet Division bounced back in style to close in on a victory against Chattogram in the 26th National Cricket League (NCL) at Sylhet Cricket Academy on Sunday.
Resuming the Day 2 at 114-5, Sylhet were bowled out for 152 runs, conceding 46 runs lead as Chattogram amassed 198 all out in their first innings.
But Sylhet bowlers helped the side claw back into the game, bowling Chattogram out for 173 that set a 220-run target for them to win the game.
Sylhet reached 130-2 at stumps, leaving them only 90 runs away from the victory with eight wickets in hand. Opener Taufiq Khan Tushar gave the side a rapid start to ease the pressure.
He hammered 38 ball-51, smashing five fours and three sixes before Ashraful Hasan dismissed him.
Zakir Hossain, who is in the squad for the second Test against South Africa, made 35 ball-36 as the opening duo shared 84 runs to make the chase look like a cake-walk.
Ashraful also dismissed Zakir but Pinak Ghosh and Amite Hasan saw off the day without further trouble, batting on 14 and 23 runs respectively.
Earlier, Nayeem Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja and Nasum Ahmed shared nine wickets, taking three wickets each to rip through Chattogram batting line up.
No.3 batter Sajjad Hossain Ripon top-scored for Chattogram with 42 while opener Parvez Hossain Emon made 40.
But no one from the middle could reach double digits, which extended Chattogram's agony.
No.9 batter Ashraful Hasan was the other notable scorer with 42 not out.
In the morning session, Irfan Hossain, however, completed his five-for and finished with 5-34 as Sylhet were able to add just 38 runs to their overnight 114-5.
Sylhet drew with Dhaka Division in their first match in the ongoing NCL.
