Naeem's third straight century and Mahfizul's ton light up the National League as both eye maiden double hundreds
Mohammad Naeem Sheikh of Dhaka Division and Mahfizul Islam of Mymensingh are in superb form in the National Cricket League (NCL). Naeem has scored a century in a third consecutive match, while this is Mahfizul's third hundred in four matches. Both are now waiting for the first double century of their first-class careers.
On the first day of the fourth round in Rajshahi, Naeem remained unbeaten on 171 against Rajshahi Division. His innings included four sixes and 14 fours.
Naeem shared an unbroken 205-run partnership with Mahidul Islam Ankon to put Dhaka in a strong position. After slipping to 88 for three, Dhaka closed the day on 293 for three, with Ankon unbeaten on 84.
This is Naeem's seventh century in first-class cricket. He scored 137 and 135 in his previous two innings — proof that this is sustained form rather than a brief run.
In Bogura, Mymensingh's Mahfizul remained unbeaten on 156 against Chattogram. His 223-ball innings included one six and 17 fours.
After Munim Shahriar's 56, Mahfizul added a 93-run partnership with Abdul Mazid. Mymensingh closed the day on 299 for four.
The twin centuries on the same day made the opening day of the fourth round a run-filled one in the National League. Both batters now stand within reach of a maiden double hundred, which would make their seasons even bigger stories.
In Sylhet, Rangpur finished the day on 320 for five against Barishal. Mim Mosaddek scored 77, Abdullah Al Mamun remained unbeaten on 61 and Alauddin Babu was unbeaten on 46.
In Cox's Bazar, rain prevented even the toss in the Sylhet-Khulna match, so the first day's play could not begin there at all.
Consistent long innings in first-class cricket also matter for Bangladesh's Test thinking, as the ability of the country's batters to play big innings in the long format has long been a talking point. The form of Naeem and Mahfizul has put their names into that discussion again.
All eyes now turn to the second day, when Naeem resumes on 171 and Mahfizul on 156, both aiming to complete the first double century of their careers.
