Prime Bank South Zone remained firmly on course to the title of Bangladesh Cricket League after they took a commanding position in their third and final game against Islami Bank East Zone in Chittagong on Tuesday. Needing only a draw to secure the title, Prime Bank gained a sizable 138-run first innings lead and then stretched their lead to 369 after reaching 231-4 in their second innings at close on the third day. With only a day to play, the chance for Islami Bank to deny Prime the title appeared bleak as they need an outright win to repeat their success in the one-day version of the tournament. Replying to Prime Bank’s 385, Islami Bank resumed their first innings on the third day on 159-3 but lost wickets at regular intervals to be dismissed for 247 runs. Alok Kapali, who was unbeaten on 18, fell in the very first over adding just two runs to his overnight score and he was quickly followed by fellow overnight batsman Shadman Islam. Shadman added just one to his overnight 86 before he was dragged out of crease by veteran Abdur Razzak for a stumping. Apart from Abul Hasan, who made 50 off 82 balls, no other batsman could provide any resistance as two national team discards Sohag Gazi (4-62) and Al-Amin Hossain (3-45) shared seven wickets between them. Prime Bank had enough time to consolidate their position in the second innings and they used it to the fullest despite losing opener Imrul Kayes for a duck in the third ball of the innings. Other opener Anamul Haque struck 70 before Soumya Sarkar added an unbeaten 75 alongside Mosaddek Hossain 43 not out giving Prime a firm grip in the match. Elsewhere at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, the match between Walton Central Zone and BCB North remained evenly poised after a rain-interrupted third day. Walton resumed on 20-2 after rain delayed the start of third day’s play until 12:00pm and were finally all out for exactly 200 runs in their second innings, setting a 203-run winning target the BCB outfit. Mehrab Hossain jr remained unbeaten on 54 for Walton as Mahmudul Hasan grabbed 4-53. Walton bowlers struck back immediately to reduce the BCB side to 11-2 at close on the third day, leaving the prospect of an intriguing final day, though a win will count for nothing for either side. Mohammad Shahid handed opener Hamidul Haque a sixth ball duck before Shuvagata Hom removed Junaed Siddique in the next ball of the second over throwing the contest open. Mahmudul, who is yet to open his account, will resume the final day with nightwatchman Taijul Islam with the BCB team needing 192 runs and Walton needing eight wickets.