Chattogram Division secured their first victory in the National League T20 with a thrilling 12-run win over Sylhet Division. On a day when Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque shone with the bat, Sylhet’s opener Toufik Tushar played a valiant knock, but it wasn’t enough to prevent his team’s defeat.
Batting first, Chattogram posted 145 runs in their allotted 15 overs. Tamim Iqbal starred with an outstanding knock of 65 runs off 33 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes. He was well-supported by Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who contributed 29 runs off 17 balls, and together they added 80 runs for the opening wicket. However, after Joy’s departure, Chattogram lost quick wickets. Captain Yasir Ali Chowdhury (1), Sajjadul Haque Ripon (4), and Mominul Haque (8) were dismissed cheaply. Despite these setbacks, Tamim’s powerful stroke play kept the score ticking. He was eventually dismissed for 65 runs in the 11th over.
Apart from Tamim and Joy, wicketkeeper-batter Sabbir Hossain Shikdar contributed 15 runs, but no other Chattogram batter reached double figures. Chattogram finished their innings at 145/9 in 15 overs. Sylhet’s Khaled Ahmed was the standout bowler, taking 4 wickets for just 19 runs in 3 overs.
In reply, Sylhet’s chase started in disaster. Opening batsman Jishan Alam, who had scored a century in the previous match, was dismissed for a golden duck in the first over. Hasan Murad took 2 wickets in the same over, and Amit Hasan also fell for a duck. In the next over, Asadullah Galib was dismissed for a golden duck, leaving Sylhet in deep trouble with 3 batters out for zero.
Despite the early setbacks, Toufik Tushar fought hard at the other end. He exploded to score 50 off just 19 balls, including 5 sixes and 4 fours. His aggressive batting brought some hope to Sylhet’s chase, as he formed a 79-run partnership with Wasif Akbar, who contributed 17 runs. After Wasif’s departure, Sylhet’s situation worsened further when captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi was dismissed for just 1.
Toufik continued his assault, but after scoring 76 runs off 36 balls, including 6 sixes and 7 fours, he was dismissed, effectively ending Sylhet’s chances of a comeback. The team was bowled out for 133 runs, losing by 12 runs.
Chattogram’s all-round performance, highlighted by Tamim Iqbal’s match-winning innings and a solid bowling effort, secured them a well-earned victory.
