Islami Bank East Zone's youngster Zakir Hasan had a field day in
Cox's Bazar yesterday. The 19-year-old not only managed to complete his
second first-class century but was also involved in all of the
dismissals that took place after the exchange on the third day of their
third-round Bangladesh Cricket League match against Prime Bank South
Zone. The wicketkeeper affected two stumpings and took two catches and
in the process helped East Zone take a firm grip on the game.
By stumps South Zone, buoyed by half-centuries from Anamul Haque and
Taibur Rahman, finished on 204 for four. While they may seem to be in a
good position, the fact remains that they are only 59 runs ahead at the
moment.
They will need to put on at least another 150 runs on the final day
today in order to save this game. It is a task that is still possible
considering that they have two set batsmen at the crease.
Anamul finished unbeaten on 84, while Taibur scored three boundaries in the last over of the day to reach 52.
Anamul, who hit four fours and four sixes, will be key to South Zone's survival today.
Earlier, East Zone added 59 more runs to their total before they were
bundled out in 119.3 overs. Considering that they began the day on 359
for 5, it was a disappointing performance. Spinners Shohag Gazi and
Abdur Razzak ran through East Zone's lower order. Razzak finished with a
five-wicket haul while Gazi recorded figures of 3 for 109.
Zakir was the only batsman who managed to survive the spin onslaught
and remained unbeaten on 128. He scored four sixes and 10 fours during
the 188-ball innings.
It was also a good day for Marshall Ayub, who scored a patient 141 to
put Central Zone in control of their game against North Zone, also at
Cox's Bazar. He was well supported by Zabid Hossain's 91. The duo took
Central to 329 for 7, at which score they declared. Before stumps
Mohammad Shahid and Mohammad Sharif took a wicket each to reduce North
Zone to 22 for 2. North Zone require 422 runs to win this game, a task
that seems highly unlikely.
Scores in brief
SOUTH ZONE: 262 and 204 for 4 (Anamul 84 not out, Taibur 52 not out; Iftekhar 2-76) v
East Zone: 407 all out in 119.3 overs (Zakir 128 not out, Mominul 112; Razzak 5-161, Gazi 3-109)
CENTRAL ZONE: 260 and 329 for 7 dec (Marshall 141, Zabid 91; Farhad 5-49 v
NORTH ZONE: 168 and 22 for 2(Jahurul 12; Shahid 1-10, Sharif 1-12)
