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Central Zone continue to be on top after a rain-hit draw

Taskin Ahmed in his delivery stride AFP

Central Zone continued to be on top of the points table in the BCL after their drawn game against North Zone in Rajshahi. The match was marred by unseasonal rain, with the first day being completely washed out.

Batting first, North Zone were bowled out for 146 with Arafat Sunny picking up three wickets, while Taskin Ahmed, Shahidul Islam and Shuvagata Hom took two each.

In reply, Central Zone took a 148-run lead as the fifties from Saif Hassan, Najmul Hossain Shanto and Abdul Mazid pushed them to 294. Sunzamul Islam was the most successful bowler for North Zone, registering 6 for 103.

North Zone were 113 for 3 in their second innings when both captains shook hands.

There was also no play due to rain on the first day in Bogra where East Zone and South Zone drew their match.

Batting first, Yasir Ali's 70 propelled East Zone to 262 for 8 before captain Mominul Haque declared the innings. Al-Amin Hossain took three wickets.

In reply, South Zone declared on 175 for 8, thanks to Fazle Mahmud's 69 that kept them afloat. Farhad Reza, Abu Jayed, Khaled Ahmed and Taijul Islam took two wickets each.

With an 87-run lead, East Zone declared their second innings on 159 for 5, with Rony Talukdar scoring 58 at the top of the order. Mahedi Hasan took three wickets. Set 247 to win, South Zone were 132 for 5 in 28 overs before play was called off.