Naeem Islam hit a hundred that powered BCB South Zone to uphold their winning streak as they secured a 26-run win over BCB Central Zone in the second match of the Bangladesh Cricket League at BKSP Ground-4 on Tuesday.

Naeem struck a 102 off 106 balls for BCB South while Nasir Hossain and Naim Sheik finished with 75 and 63 respectively to post 282-5.

In reply Central Zone were restricted to 256-9.

However, Islami Bank East Zone who made a winning start with the tournament opener suffered a 61-run loss against BCB North Zone in the other tie at BKSP Ground-3.

Sent to bat, South Zone lost their two top orders Anamul Haque and Zakir Hossain for 1 and 0 respectively that shortened them to 12-2 in 4.4 overs.

However, Naim Sheikh and Naeem Islam formed a formidable 109-run stand to conquer the initial damages before the former was removed by Mosaddek Hossain leaving the side to a daunting 111-3.

Afterwards, banking on Naeem’s 102 alongside Nasir’s 75 South Zone managed a challenging 282.

Robiul Hoque was the pick among the bowlers picking up 3-43.

Pursuing an exciting 283, Central Zone batsmen could drag their side up to 256 after a 48-ball 53 and 51 off 60 balls from Jaker Ali Anik and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat respectively.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top among the bowlers claiming 3-30.

In the day’s other game, being sent to bat BCB North made a paltry 216-8 riding on Fazle Mahmud Rabbi’s 90 and Mohammad Saifuddin’s 44.

Md Ashiqur Rahman, Sk Mahadi Hasan and Rejaur Rahman Raja took two wickets each.

Chasing down a meager total East Zone were all-out for 155 in 44.3 overs with Shamimm Hossain Patwary scalping 3-25.