NCL Round 1: Dhaka Division and Chattogram Division start with wins, left-arm spinners dominate

Dhaka Division started the 2021-22 National Cricket League with a resounding seven-wicket win over Sylhet Division inside three days. Rangpur Division and Khulna Division played out a draw in the other Tier 1 match.

In Tier 2, Chattogram Division won by four wickets against Rajshahi Division, while the match between Dhaka Metropolis and Barisal Division was a rain-dominated draw.

Best batters
Yasir Ali continued to impress in the domestic first-class circuit by getting his ninth century. He made 129 off 198 balls, with 15 fours and three sixes, in Chattogram's first innings against Rajshahi. He added 134 runs for the third wicket with Mominul Haque, as Chattogram took a 183-run first-innings lead. Yasir laid the foundation for Chattogram's eventual win over Rajshahi.

Rangpur's left-hand opener Jahid Javed scored his second first-class century, when he made 101 with ten fours and two sixes. He had earlier scored 40 in the first innings in the drawn encounter with Khulna.

Best bowlers
Dhaka's left-arm spinner Nazmul Islam took career-best figures of 10 for 64 in their big win over Sylhet. He took 6 for 23 in the first innings as Sylhet were shot out for 67, their second-lowest total in the competition. It is now the second cheapest ten-for in first-class cricket in Bangladesh.

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz took a nine-wicket haul, which included 6 for 90 in the first innings, in Khulna's drawn encounter against Rangpur. Veteran left-arm spinner Sohrawordi Shuvo also had figures of 6 for 87 in the same game.

Rajshahi's left-arm spinner Sunzamul Islam took a five-wicket haul against Chattogram. But it was offspinner Nayeem Hasan's eight wickets in the match that made the biggest impact as it helped Chattogram with the win. Another left-arm spinner, Tanvir Islam, took a five-for against Dhaka Metro, for whom while Sharifullah also took a five-wicket haul.

Best match
Chattogram were bossing most of their game against Rajshahi but on the fourth morning, they were reduced to 38 for 6 in their chase of 77. Yasir then struck an unbeaten 38 to guide them to a tense win.

Players to watch
Yasir continued to perform in the first-class scene, but he awaits a Test debut for a long time. He has taken several catches as a substitute fielder but the team management hasn't entrusted him with a Test cap.

The good showing by the spinners is also an encouraging sign, as Bangladesh have at times felt that they are light in this department, once considered to be their strength.