Anamul Haque and young Mahadi Hasan shone in the sunshine on the second day after off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz cashed in on the soft pitch and overcast condition on the opening day as Khulna Division tightened their grip on Dhaka Division at BKSP in their quest to retain the title of the National Cricket League (NCL).

Anamul and Mahadi both hit hundreds and remained unbeaten during their unbroken 281-run second-wicket partnership as Khulna finished the second day comfortably in the driving seat. They were 370 for one at stumps in reply to Dhaka's 113.

It was a timely effort from Anamul, who opted to play the last round of the league despite being granted a break by the Bangladesh Cricket Board as the next home series against Sri Lanka approaches and his teammate Soumya Sarkar continues to struggle for big scores, being dismissed for just 30 after resuming on 11.

The right-hander remained not out on 167 and smote 18 fours and four sixes during a nearly six-hour vigil while Mahadi was more aggressive as the young all-rounder, who had hogged the spotlight with his spin bowling during the BPL, smashed 20 fours and two sixes during his 151-ball 168.

Nasir Hossain was the other star performer on the second day as the national all-rounder struck an unbeaten 101 to help Rangpur finish the day on 264 for four in reply to Barisal's 335 runs in the other Tier-1 match at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.

After coming together at three for 81, Nasir and Naeem Islam put on 104 runs for the fourth wicket to steady the Rangpur ship. Nasir remained unbeaten on 101 off 167 balls that contained twelve fours and two sixes.

In a Tier-2 match at the Sylhet International Stadium, off-spinner Iftekhar Sajjad Rony put Chittagong on strong position as his five-wicket haul destroyed Sylhet's first innings for 137 runs and helped his side take an 89-run first innings lead. Iftekhar, who is also a good singer and has featured in a Piran Khan number, claimed five wickets for 43 runs.

Chittagong had already taken a 267-run lead as they scored 189 for five in their second innings, thanks to a 92-run opening stand between Sadiqur Rahman (54) and Jasim (56).

In the other Tier-2 game, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam took two more wickets on the second day to finish with a five-wicket haul as Dhaka Metro were all out for 328 runs after resuming on 210 for four against Rajshahi.

Rajshahi finished the day on a happy note as they scored 95 without any damage with Nazmul Hossain (43) and Mizanur Rahman (47) at the crease.

All of the matches had the start delayed or ended early because of fog or bad light.