On the first day of this round of National Cricket League (NCL) at Cox’s Bazar Academy Ground, Sylhet division player and captain Amite Hasan scored a brilliant century against Khulna.

By the end of the second day on 10 November, he had reached a double century, marking the first such milestone in the competition this season.

Amite’s impressive knock of 213 runs came from 455 balls with 18 fours and a six, surpassing his best of 186 and cementing his double hundred.

The achievement came with a dash of drama when pacer Abdul Halim sent a short ball, which Amite pulled to the boundary. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Mithun dived to his left to attempt a catch but failed to reach it and after a few bounces, the ball went over the ropes, taking Amite’s score from 197 to 201.

In the thick of things, Amite partnered Asadullah Al Galib in a remarkable fourth-wicket stand, adding 251 runs. Galib played his part brilliantly, scoring 115 off 242 deliveries, decorated with seven fours and three sixes, before his dismissal broke the formidable partnership. Amite’s departure left Sylhet at 475 and the team declared soon after at 496 for seven.

For Amite, this double century is a highlight in a season that had started on a less promising note. In the opening match against Dhaka Division, he scored 28 and 61. Against Chattogram in the second round, he managed only 27 and 43. He showed some improvement in the third round, scoring 57 and an unbeaten 37 against Rangpur. However, he turned his maiden century of this innings into a monumental double, adding to a first-class career that now boasts seven centuries and nine half-centuries.

With Sylhet declaring for a commanding total, Khulna started their innings and finished the day with three runs without loss, setting the stage for an intense contest in the remaining days.