Day 3 of the National Cricket League (NCL) clash between Sylhet Division and Mymensingh Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium produced a gripping battle of brilliance, as Shykat Ali’s career-best 175 tried to overshadow Rakibul Hasan’s historic nine-wicket haul.

Resuming the day at 198 for 5, Sylhet were under pressure after Rakibul’s spin magic had rattled their top order. But opener Shykat Ali stood tall amid the collapse, crafting a magnificent innings of 175 off 232 balls, studded with 19 fours and 8 sixes. His determination turned the tide as Sylhet went on to post a massive 489 all out, taking an 88-run lead over Mymensingh’s first-innings total of 401.

Rakibul Hasan was sensational throughout the innings, claiming 9 wickets for 168 runs from 55.3 overs. His only miss was Shykat’s wicket, which denied him a perfect ten, as pacer Shohidul Islam eventually dismissed the opener as the ninth man out.

Shykat’s knock was built on two crucial partnerships that took Sylhet to dominance — a 63-run seventh-wicket stand with Tofael Ahmed (79) and a 148-run ninth-wicket partnership with Ebadot Hossain(58). Both partnerships frustrated Mymensingh’s bowlers and ensured Sylhet gained a valuable lead heading into the final day.

In reply, Mymensingh’s openers provided a steady start, reaching 58 without loss at stumps, still trailing by 30 runs. With just one day remaining, the game appears to be heading toward a draw, but Rakibul’s record-breaking spell and Shykat’s defiant 175 ensured this match will be remembered as one of the highlights of the opening NCL round in Sylhet.