Sylhet clinch last-over thriller, Dipu & Joy power Chattogram’s dominance

Despite all matches of the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 being shifted to Sylhet due to rain, the stands at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium remained largely empty. However, the home side Sylhet Division gave the few present a nail-biting contest, securing a thrilling last-over victory against Barishal Division on Saturday.

Barishal, sent in to bat first, posted 141 runs on the board. Fazle Rabbi top-scored with 60 off 44 balls, striking four boundaries and as many sixes. For Sylhet, Ebadot Hossain claimed three wickets, while Khaled Ahmed, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Asadullah Al Galib, and Rahatul Ferdous Jabeed picked up one each.

Chasing 142, Sylhet’s innings wobbled as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Opener Mizanur Rahman Saim, returning after nearly two years, managed only 11. At one stage, Sylhet were in deep trouble at 57 for 4. But Amit Hasan (39) and Asadullah Al Galib (24) steadied the innings with a crucial stand.

In the decisive moments, lower-order batters Khaled Ahmed and Rejaur Rahman Raja guided Sylhet home. Raja remained unbeaten on 19 off just 7 balls with two fours and a six, while Khaled contributed 11 runs.

For Barishal, Mehedi Hasan picked up three wickets for 22, while Ruel Mia, Sohag Gazi, and Tanvir Islam took one apiece. Raja’s all-round display earned him the Player of the Match award. After the game, he urged fans to come and support the tournament in person: “This is like a mini BPL. If the crowd comes to the stadium, we’ll be more inspired. One day, we Sylhet players will bring big trophies for Bangladesh, InshAllah.”

In the day’s other match, Chattogram Division outclassed Dhaka Metro with a dominant 8-wicket victory.

Opting to bat, Dhaka Metro posted 185 for 6 in 20 overs. Opener Naim Sheikh scored 46, Mahfijul Islam Robin 41, and Mahmudullah Riyad remained unbeaten on 41. Abu Hider Rony provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 24 off 12 balls.

For Chattogram, Nayeem Hasan picked up two wickets, while Hasan Mahmud, Mohammad Rubel, and Hasan Murad chipped in with one each.

In reply, Chattogram’s batting was clinical. Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck an unbeaten 70, while Shahadat Hossain Dipu remained not out on 64. Together, they guided the team to victory in just 16.5 overs, sealing a commanding win.