Akbar, Afif Tons Light Up Bangladesh Cricket League One-Day Tournament

The opening day of the one-day version of the Bangladesh Cricket League delivered high-scoring action and standout performances as centuries from Akbar Ali and Afif Hossain powered their teams to impressive victories.

North Zone and South Zone started their campaigns strongly with convincing wins over East Zone and Central Zone respectively, highlighting the depth of talent in Bangladesh’s domestic cricket structure.

Akbar Ali’s Maiden List-A Century Powers North Zone

North Zone produced a commanding performance at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium, where Akbar Ali’s brilliant century guided them to a 54-run victory over East Zone.

Batting first, North Zone posted a formidable total of 335 runs in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Akbar Ali, who played a remarkable knock of 111 runs from just 87 balls. His innings included eight fours and six sixes, showcasing both composure and attacking stroke play.

North Zone had a solid start thanks to contributions from the top order. After an early setback with the dismissal of Habibur Rahman, Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto built a strong partnership that steadied the innings. The duo added 82 runs for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a big total.

Tanzid scored a quick 54 off 44 balls, striking eight boundaries and a six, while Shanto later contributed 68 runs from 87 deliveries. However, North Zone briefly lost momentum when they slipped to 118 for 4 after losing Tanzid, Litton Das, and Towhid Hridoy in quick succession.

It was at this stage that Akbar Ali took control of the innings. He formed a crucial 120-run partnership with Shanto for the fifth wicket, ensuring that North Zone regained stability and accelerated towards a strong finish.

Akbar reached his maiden List-A century in style, bringing up the milestone in 81 balls with a single off Hasan Mahmud. His innings came to an end in the 48th over when he was trapped lbw by Mohammad Saifuddin, but by then he had already done significant damage.

Late contributions from Abdul Gaffar Saqlain and Shoriful Islam added valuable runs, helping North Zone reach a challenging total.

East Zone’s Chase Falls Short

Chasing 336 for victory, East Zone fought hard but were eventually bowled out for 281 in 49.4 overs. The team lacked a major partnership during the chase, which ultimately cost them the match.

Several batters made promising starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Parvez Hossain Emon scored 35, Amite Hasan made 22, and Yasir Ali contributed 42 before getting out.

Former Bangladesh captain Mominul Haque tried to anchor the innings from the middle order. Batting at number five, he played a fighting knock of 83 runs from 82 balls, hitting seven fours and a six. However, despite his efforts, East Zone struggled to keep up with the required run rate.

North Zone’s bowlers also played a significant role in the victory. Rishad Hossain was the standout performer with the ball, taking four wickets for 57 runs. Nahid Rana and SM Meherob Hasan also supported well by picking up two wickets each.

After the match, Akbar Ali expressed satisfaction with his performance and contribution to the team’s victory. He explained that his primary focus was to stabilize the innings and guide the team through the middle overs.

Afif Hossain’s Unbeaten Century Guides South Zone

In the day’s other match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, South Zone dominated Central Zone with a comfortable seven-wicket win.

Central Zone batted first and scored 264 runs for seven wickets in their 50 overs. The innings featured several steady contributions but lacked a big finish that could push the total beyond 280.

Mohammad Naim top-scored with 69 runs from 76 balls, while Mahfijul Islam Robin and Mahidul Islam Ankon also made valuable contributions with scores of 63 and 67 respectively. Despite these efforts, Central Zone’s total was considered slightly below par on a batting-friendly pitch.

South Zone’s bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings. Soumya Sarkar and Tanvir Islam each claimed two wickets, while two Central Zone batters were run out.

Strong Chase Seals Victory for South Zone

South Zone began their chase steadily despite losing Soumya Sarkar early in the innings. Anisul Islam contributed 43 runs, while Zawad Abrar also added useful runs at the top of the order.

The turning point came when Afif Hossain and Mohammad Mithun came together at the crease. The pair built a match-winning partnership of 159 runs for the third wicket, effectively taking the game away from Central Zone.

Mithun played an excellent supporting role, remaining unbeaten on 72 runs from 65 balls, which included seven fours and three sixes.

Afif Hossain, however, stole the spotlight with an outstanding unbeaten century. He scored 100 runs from just 86 balls and completed his hundred on the final delivery of the match with a boundary. His innings included eight fours and five sixes, highlighting his aggressive yet controlled batting approach.

After the match, Afif said that scoring a century in the opening match of the tournament was special and satisfying, especially because it helped his team secure victory.

Significance of the Opening Day Performances

The first day of the BCL one-day tournament showcased the importance of domestic cricket in Bangladesh. Performances like those from Akbar Ali and Afif Hossain highlight emerging talent and reinforce the competitive nature of the tournament.

Domestic tournaments such as the Bangladesh Cricket League serve as a key platform for players to develop their skills and push for national selection. With several national players participating, the competition also provides high-quality cricket for fans and selectors alike.

Centuries from young and experienced players not only boost their confidence but also strengthen their case for future opportunities in international cricket.

Looking Ahead in the Tournament

With North Zone and South Zone securing convincing victories on the opening day, the tournament promises more exciting contests in the coming matches. Teams will aim to build momentum and maintain strong performances as the competition progresses.

Players who perform consistently in the Bangladesh Cricket League often gain attention from national selectors, making every match crucial for individuals and teams alike.

As the tournament continues, fans can expect more high-scoring matches, competitive battles, and standout individual performances.

Full Squad List – BCL One-Day Tournament

East Zone Squad: Parvez Hossain Emon, Zakir Hasan, Amite Hasan, Mominul Haque, Yasir Ali (Captain), Shamim Hossain, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Asadullah Al Galib, Mohammad Saifuddin, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Khaled Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Nayeem Hasan, Naim Hasan Sakib.

North Zone Squad: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Habibur Rahman Sohan, Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Towhid Hridoy, Akbar Ali, Sabbir Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, SM Meherob, Taijul Islam, Nahid Rana, Rishad Hossain, Shoriful Islam, Mukidul Islam, Abdul Gaffar Saqlain.

South Zone Squad: Soumya Sarkar, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Zawad Abrar, Azizul Hakim Tamim, Mohammad Mithun, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Nurul Hasan Sohan, Samiun Bashir Ratul, Tanvir Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Robiul Haque, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ruyel Mia, Shadhin Islam.

Central Zone Squad: Saif Hassan, Naim Sheikh, Jishan Alam, Ariful Islam, Mahidul Islam Ankon (Captain), Mosaddek Hossain, Irfan Sukkur, Mahfijul Islam Robin, Rakibul Hasan, Rizan Hossan, Abu Hider Rony, Ebadot Hossain, Ripon Mondol, Maruf Mridha, Wasi Siddiquee.