National Cricket League

Rajshahi secure one-day title

Cricinfo staff

April 13, 2005

Rajshahi secured their first domestic one-day title with a 140-run victory over Barisal in the ninth round of the National Cricket League at Barisal Stadium. The win gave them 16 points, and with second-placed Sylhet's match against Khulna being abandoned, that was enough.

Rajshahi, who have won eight games in succession after losing their opening match, were always in control after posting 280 for 9, Moniruzzaman and Raqibul Hasan putting them on their way with an opening stand of 80 in under 12 overs, and then Anisur Rahman anchored the middle of the innings with a 90-ball 75. A fourth-wicket stand of 113 between Anisur and Mushfiqur Rahman ended the match as a contest. Barisal were never in the hunt after a poor start, and they did well to recover from 38 for 6. Mushfiqur won the Man-of-the-Match award for his 48 and 4 for 33.

Dhaka remained in third position despite slipping to a second straight defeat against Chittagong at the Fatullah Stadium. Dhaka struggled to build any momentum and were held to 193 for 9 after winning the toss, with Ahsanullah Hasan (4 for 36) ripping through the middle order. Gazi Salahuddin cracked an excellent 90 to set Chittagong on their way to a four-wicket win - only their second win in the competition - and Shabbir Khan saw them home with a well-paced 61 not out.

Dhaka will have a chance to make amends when the penultimate round of the four-day Nation Cricket League starts on Wednesday. They need four more points from their remaining two games to retain their title.

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