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Jessore book final berth

Bangladesh Biman pulled off a sensational six-wicket win over Mymensingh yesterday to set up the final clash with Jessore in the 25th National Cricket Championship.

In a dramatic twist to the happenings, the national airline outfit, set to score 183 runs for an outright victory on the final day of the three-day semifinal at the Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium, raced on to score 184 for six with Ziaur Rashid hammering an unbeaten 53.

The experienced right-hander, coming in to bat at number seven with Biman tottering at 229 for six, put on 55 runs for the undefeated seventh wicket with Saleh Ahmed to clinch an unlikely Biman victory. Saleh scored a priceless 21 not out.

The match, appeared to be going in favour of Mymensingh on the second day, experienced an exciting turnaround when Biman shot Mymensingh out for 107 in the second innings.

Mymensingh, who scored 225 in their first innings, were well on course to victory when they resumed their second innings on 72 for two and with an overall lead of 149 runs after restricting Biman to 149 in the first innings.

But once former national right-arm seamer Jahangir Talukder dismissed overnight batsman Jakir for 32, Mymensingh suffered a stunning slump, losing last eight wickets for the addition of 31 runs to their total.

Slow left-arm spinner Saifullah Khan, who did not have much of a success in the first innings, caused most of the damage to Mymensingh innings and eventually returned with four for 25 runs. He was ably supported by Shariful Haq, the offie who took four wickets in the first innings finished with a match haul of 44 for six.

Meanwhile, in the other semi-final of the day at the Bangabandhu National Stadium, Jessore emerged winner against Sylhet by virtue of having a first innings lead.

Resuming on 237 for six, Jessore went on to score a huge 279 for nine before exhausting their first innings quota of 100 overs.

In reply, Sylhet, who made 197 in their first innings, tried to accelerate things in a desperate attempt to compel Jessore to bat again. But they eventually ended up scoring only 93 runs for eight before the umpires called it all over.

The final between Biman and Jessore will be held at the Bangabandhu National Stadium tomorrow.