DHAKA,  – Country’s veteran batsman Tushar Imran missed out his well-deserved ton, being fell for 99 but defending champions Khulna kept them aloft over Sylhet Division on day one of the first round game of Bangabandhu 22nd National Cricket League (NCL) at Sheikh Abu Naser Stadium in Khulna today.

Tushar was ably supported by Imrul Kayes who also missed his ton, being out on 90 as Khulna reached 308-7 at the end of the day of Tier-1 game on the league. After opting to bat first, Khulna got a good start through openers Robiul Islam Robi and Imran Uz Zaman but both of them failed to carry on their start.

Imran was the first to be dismissed for 15 after which Kayes and Robi shared 110-run for the second wicket stand. While Kayes was on song, Robi was dismissed for 37. Soon after his dismissal, Kayes also fell for 90 off 127, hitting 10 fours and two sixes.

After Kayes, Tushar took the onus and drove the side past 300, despite the wickets tumbling around him at regular interval. Tushar struck 13 boundaries in a knock in which he played 117 balls. Before the bails were drawn, Nahidul Islam wasbatting on 24. Abu Jayed Rahi and Ebadot Hossain scalped two wickets for Sylhet.