Chittagong require another 139 runs to win their second phase National Cricket League match after they restricted Khulna to 268 in the second innings on the third day at the Shaheed Chandu Stadium in Bogra yesterday.

The port city side will begin today with their score on 63 for two with Abdullah Al Mamun and nightwatchman Kamrul Islam at the crease.

Earlier, the Chittagong bowlers ensured their fourth innings chase could be kept under the250-mark.

Elias Sunny and Iqbal Hossain picked up two wickets apiece while Mamun took three.

Only wicketkeeper-batsman Sahagir Hossain stood firm for Khulna, scoring a stodgy 79 that was punctuated by nine boundaries.

Away at the Khulna Divisional Stadium, Rajshahi thrived on three half-centuries from Jahirul Islam, Khaled Mashud and Forhad Reza in their effort to salvage a draw with Dhaka.

The northern division lead by 110 runs with four wickets in hand and it is up to the Dhaka bowlers to ensure an easy ride on the final day.

Rajshahi's right-handed opener Jahirul, who was named in the Tigers' 30-man World Twenty20s squad, slammed ten boundaries in his two-and-a-half hours essay, before a rush of blood ended his stay when he missed Mehrab Hossain's left-arm spin and was stumped b\ Nadimuddin Mintu.

Rajshahi captain Mashud was at his very best, making57 off 146 balls with eightboundaries.

But it was Forhad who ensured Rajshahi made Dhaka bat again with his strokeful 53. He will come out to bat today with all-roundei Sabbir Rahman, who was unbeaten on 32.

Among the Dhaka bowlers only Mohammad Sharif, with three wickets, and Mehrab Hossain, who picked up two, were the successful bowlers.

SCORES IN BRIEF

DHAKAvRAJSHAHI

DHAKA: First innings 400-8 declared (Nadimuddin 147, Shamsur 63, Marshal 72, Roni 27, Shuvagoto 57; Delwar 2-79, Saqlain 2-76,Sanjamul2-102)

RAJSHAHI: First innings 241 and second innings 269-6 (Jahurul 73, Mashud 57, Reza 53 not out; Sharif 3-53, Mehrab 2-88)

KHULNAvCHITTAGONG

KHULNA: First innings 241 and second inning: 268 all out (Amit 35, Sahagir 79, Rasel 32;

Mamun 3-20, Elias 2-35)

CHITTAGONG: First innings 308 and second innings 63-2 (Mamun 25 not out, Kamrul 2 not out; Dollar 2-22)