Under pressure of Rajshahi's first innings total of 300, Chittagong resumed third day's play on 23-3 and stared at further trouble when their innings was halved in addition of six runs. But wicketkeeper-batsman Dhiman's unbeaten 100 not only put a brake to the slide but also handled another mini collapse later to give the Chittagong first-innings total respectability.

The other two matches also headed for draws with just one day remaining after opening day of all three four-dayers were washed out due to rain.

RAJSHAHI-CHITTAGONG
Reduced to 29-5, Dhiman and overnight batsman Elias Sunny added 74 runs for the sixth wicket as Chittagong began to frustrate the home side at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.

Sunny, who resumed on 11, dug deep in a 101-ball 53 before being removed by four-wicket Mushfiqur Rahman, who dismissed Sabbir Khan in the same over without any addition to the total.

Dhiman kept cool and took the total to 199 from 103-7 with great support from Waskuruni Ahmed, the paceman who contributed a breezy 42 off 67 deliveries with help of seven boundaries.

Dhiman, who batted over four hours, cracked 13 fours in his 174-ball unconquered essay to take Chittagong to 231.

Rajshahi built on the 69-run lead and reached 95-1 at stumps in their second innings with in-form Rabiul Karim, another wicketkeeper-batsman, making 50 on the back of his 40 in the first innings. Rafiqul Islam with 41 and Farhad Reza (1) were at the crease.

With an overall 164-run lead, Rajshahi will look for fast runs today in a bid to go for an early declaration and force a result.

BARISAL-SYLHET
Bottom-table Barisal posted a scanty five-run lead against Sylhet when they reached 175 in the first innings after resuming on 93-5.

At one stage, Test spinner Enamul Haque's four-wicket spell opened up Sylhet's chances to take lead when their rivals were struggling at 135-8 but Arafat Salahuddin's 32 not out made sure they surpass Sylhet's first-innings total shortly after lunch.

In the second innings, captain Alok Kapali's 41 off 78 balls helped Sylhet post a 137-run overall lead when they scored 142-5 at close of play.

KHULNA-DHAKA
Talha Jubair and Mahbubul Alam's new ball combination kept Dhaka on course for taking a first-innings lead against the hosts at the Khulna Divisional Stadium.

Talha and Mahbub grabbed three wickets each as Khulna, overnight 104-4, were bundled out for 182 in their first innings. Nahidul Haq, who resumed on 43, was dismissed soon after completing his half-century (56 off 122 balls).

Opener Uttam Sarkar (43) and Shamsur Rahman, who was batting on 44, took Dhaka to 145-3 -- within sight of overhauling the opposition total -- at stumps.