Mithun and Sohan score centuries in NCL fifth round as bowlers hold their ground

Dhaka. The fifth round of Bangladesh's domestic first-class competition, the National Cricket League (NCL), produced a mixed picture of experienced batting and promising bowling. Played in the four-day format, the round made one thing clear early: it is a test not only of batting depth but of bowling resources. Wicketkeeper-batter Nurul Hasan Sohan struck an unbeaten 104 off 180 balls, his 13th first-class century, while Mohammad Mithun made 119 off 169 balls for his 17th first-class hundred. Both players have represented Bangladesh at international level, and the NCL remains their main route back into the national side. In the Khulna Division versus Mymensingh Division fixture, Mithun's 119 anchored the innings. Pace bowler Yeasin Arafat Meshu took four wickets, Md Ashraful Hasan claimed three and Sanjit Mojumder picked up two, underlining the value of the competition as a pipeline for fast bowlers. For Rangpur Division, Sohan's unbeaten 104 was supported by S M Meherob Hasan, who made an unbeaten 82 off 132 balls. Ashraful Hasan Rihad contributed 51 off 133 balls, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy remained unbeaten on 35. Mehedi Hasan took three wickets for Rangpur. Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad returned figures of 4/74 in another match, a performance that matters given his presence in Bangladesh's Test squads without a settled place in the XI. Several details remain unconfirmed. The available information does not specify the fixture pairings in full, the final results, or the season in question; the date is given only as Saturday. The name Mehedi Hasan is shared by several Bangladesh cricketers, including the all-rounder Mehedi Hasan Miraz and left-arm pacer Mehedi Hasan Rana, so the identity of the three-wicket taker requires verification from the official scorecard. Mymensingh Division is understood to be a relatively recent entrant to the NCL, but the exact season of its inclusion should be confirmed. Despite these gaps, the round illustrates the NCL's dual role: it offers seasoned internationals a platform to reclaim form and gives uncapped players a stage to be noticed. The balance between centuries and four-wicket hauls is a healthy sign for a competition that remains central to Bangladesh's Test planning.