Two heroic hundreds from Barisal's Shahin Hossain and Dhaka's former Bangladesh opener Mehrab Hossain helped their sides ensure draws from spots of bother.

Barisal wicketkeeper Shahin became the first player to record hundreds in both innings of a National League match after his unbeaten 110 in the second innings against Chittagong. That followed a 119 not out in the first essay. Chittagong however gained four points from the draw by virtue of their first innings lead.

Dhaka went into the last day needing 262 for outright victory. But they adopted a defensive approach to ensure four points.

At the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium, visitors Sylhet were looking at a daunting 303-run target and ended with 254 for 6. Rajshahi however had four points for their first innings advantage.

After the third round, defending champions Dhaka, Chittagong and Rajshahi all have 12 points while Khulna are two points behind. Sylhet and Barisal were languishing on four points each.

CHITTAGONG v BARISAL
Shahin, who is on a roll, came to Barisal's rescue at the Chittagong Divisional Stadium when the visitors slumped to 109 for four after beginning the day on 85 for one.

Number five Shahin received good support from Nahidul Haque as the pair added 121 runs for the fifth wicket before Nahid (46 off 121) was run out.

Once the partnership was broken, the Barisal innings experienced another mini collapse as they lost two wickets in the space of 16 runs but Nadif Chowdhury (31) added 53 vital runs for the eighth wicket with Shahin as they played out crucial overs.

Shahin's 241-ball unconquered innings spanned over five hours.

DHAKA v KHULNA

Mehrab Sr. continued his climb back from wilderness at the Fatullah Cricket Stadium.

Dhaka had lost his namesake Mehrab Hossain Jr. in the second over of the day with no runs on the board. But the senior Mehrab, who had missed a hundred by just two runs in the previous match against Barisal at the same venue, joined opener Anwar Hossain and both batsmen dug in.

Runs came at a snail's pace during their partnership that produced 65 runs in 36 overs as the holders made their draw intentions clear.

Wicketkeeper Anwar scored 20 runs but played 105 balls while Mehrab's 107 came off 230 balls with nine boundaries. He was dismissed by left-arm paceman Manjurul Islam late in the day as Dhaka stuttered a little losing three wickets in 11 overs but Khulna were always racing against time.

Khulna's pace duo Monjurul and Mashrafee Bin Mortuza picked up three wickets each.

RAJSHAHI v SYLHET
Mymensingh batsman Moniruzza-man, who is playing as a guest player for Sylhet, gave his side a solid start with a fluent 74 that included eight fours and a six. He and fellow opener Hasibul Haque (54) put on 114 runs as Sylhet were off to a flier after Rajshahi had declared their second innings for 257 for 9 setting the visitors an improbable 304-run target.

But Sylhet's middle order could not carry on the good work. Only defiant knocks from Bangladesh paceman Tapash Baishya (40), Sadiqur Rahman and Rezaul Haque enabled them to hold on.

Sadiq and Rezaul were both unbeaten with 34 and added 69 runs for the seventh wicket.

Rajshahi's Anisur Rahman picked up three wickets for 64.