Dilara Akter's century lights up Women’s BCL

Dilara Akter has become the latest Bangladeshi woman cricketer to make her mark in the inaugural season of women's first-class cricket, scoring a brilliant century for East Zone during the second round of the Women's Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL).

At the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Thursday, Dilara helped her team recover from an early setback against Central Zone.

Opening the innings, she crafted a composed knock of 102 runs from 131 balls, decorated with 11 boundaries and 2 sixes.

Her century came in style with a six off Nahida Akter, though she was dismissed LBW later in the same over.

East Zone had a rocky start, losing opener Swapna for just 2 runs. However, Dilara and Jannatul Ferdous stitched together a crucial 154-run partnership for the second wicket, steadying the innings and giving their side a solid foundation.

Jannatul contributed a valuable 65 runs off 170 deliveries before falling to the Central Zone attack.

The middle-order also chipped in effectively. Shamima Akter struck a brisk 62 from 94 balls, while captain Fahima Khatun added 70, building a 70-run stand with Shamima. Despite a late collapse, which saw East Zone lose 5 wickets for just 49 runs, they ended the day on 316 for 8.

Nahida Akter was the standout bowler for Central Zone, claiming 3 wickets, while Lata Mondal picked up 2.

Dilara's innings was particularly significant as she had come into the match under pressure, having registered ducks in both innings of East Zone's opening-round clash against South Zone.

The 20-year-old, who debuted for the national team in 2022, sent a strong message with her commanding performance. In T20Is, she has a strike rate of 100.47 from 20 matches, but her first-class heroics hint at untapped potential in the longer format.

While Dilara was making headlines in one match, Salma Khatun showcased her mastery with the ball in another.

Playing for South Zone at the Bangla Track Cricket Academy Ground in Rajshahi, the veteran spinner produced a miserly spell, taking 3 wickets for just 22 runs in 17 overs, including 10 maidens.

Of her 103 deliveries, 94 were dot balls, underlining her control and precision.

North Zone were bowled out for 238 in their first innings, with Misty Rani scoring 47 and captain Sobhana Mostary adding 31.

By the end of the day, South Zone had reached 51 for 2, trailing by 187 runs.

The second round of the Women's BCL follows an eventful first round where Bangladesh's captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Fargana Hoque Pinky both scored centuries, becoming the first Bangladeshi women to achieve the milestone in first-class cricket.

Dilara's century now adds her name to this historic list