Yasir, Miraz star in 1st round of BCL one-day

Dhaka, 20 Nov -Yasir Ali came up as rescuer as Islami Bank East Zone trounced BCB Central Zone by 114 runs in the first round of the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) one-day tournament today at BKSP-3 ground.

In the day's other match, BCB South Zone secured a 72-run win over BCB North Zone at BSKP-4 ground.

Youngster Yasir Ali Chowdhury struck a 73 ball-80, smashing four fours and five sixes as East Zone compiled 254 before being all out in 49.1 overs.

His innings was key to help the side reach a respectable position after senior opener Tamim Iqbal failed miserably. Another senior batter Mushfiqur Rahim who is the captain of the side fared well, making 44.

BCB Central Zone was unable to build any resistance and was bowled out for 140 in 33 overs. They were undone by the pacer of Ebadot Hossain who finished with 4-46 in nine overs.

Najmul Hossain Shanto was the top-scorer for the side with 38 runs while opener Abdul Mazid made 27. Soumya Sarkar added 19 runs.

Pacer Rejaur Rahman Raja and spinner Mahedi Hasan complemented Ebadot's effort with three wickets apiece.

Meanwhile, BCB South Zone rode on Naim Sheikh and Towhid Hridoy's half-century to put on 199 before being all out in 43.3 over.

Hridoy was the highest scorer with 66 off 71, hitting four fours and two sixes. Naim Sheikh also smacked four fours and two sixes for his 54 off 66.

Pacer Saifuddin was the wrecker-in-chief with 5-30 but his effort was dented by the spin-web of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nasum Ahmed who in joint-venture shot North Zone out for 127 runs in 29.3 overs.

Off-spinner Miraz ended with 5-42 while left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed had figures of 3-20.

The highest 42 came from the willow of Shamim Patwari while Fazle Mahmud Rabbi and Shykat Ali chipped-in-with identical 26.