Rangpur became champions of the inaugural edition of the National Cricket League T20, defeating Dhaka Metro by five wickets in the final at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Metro batters faced a shocking setback and failed to deal with some tough bowling against Rangpur, managing only 62 in 16.3 overs鈥攖he lowest total of the tournament by any team.
Despite chasing a modest target, Rangpur initially struggled but reached 65-5 in 11.2 overs, ensuring their victory.
After lifting the trophy, winning team captain Akbar Ali hailed the fast bowlers for the team鈥檚 success and urged the board to organize this kind of tournaments every year.聽
鈥極ur pacers performed well throughout the tournament. Unfortunately, I wasn鈥檛 able to utilise the spinners effectively, which highlights the hunger of our pacers,鈥� said Akbar.
鈥業 believe the primary goal of the tournament was accomplished. The local players got to play main roles. I think it was a complete success. Hoping for such tournament every year.鈥�
Opting to bowl first, pacers Mukidul Mughdho and Alauddin Babu picked up three wickets each to rattle Metro鈥檚 batting line-up, leaving them reeling at 16-5 in 4.4 overs. The pace duo finished with identical figures of 3-12
Metro lost four wickets for just eight runs, including skipper Naim Sheikh for a duck, while Mukidul took three wickets in his first two overs.聽
Veteran Shamsur Rahman Shuvo (14) tried to show some resistance but was eventually caught behind after a clever setup by Mohammad Rizwan.
Metro quickly lost wickets, surrendering to Rangpur鈥檚 brilliant bowling effort, with only two batters, Shuvo and Abu Haider Rony (13), crossing the double-figure marks.
In reply, Rangpur got off to a shaky start, with none of their top-order batters reaching double digits, leaving the team at 18-3.
Opener Abdullah Al Mamun was dismissed for just two runs, and veteran Naeem Islam fell victim to mystery spinner Aliss Islam, leaving the field without scoring.聽
Another opener, Rizwan, managed only nine runs before being lbw to Rony. Captain Akbar Ali also had a disappointing outing, getting run out for a duck after a brilliant throw by Tahzibul Islam.
Ariful Haque provided a brief spark for Rangpur, hitting a six and a four, but his innings ended at just 14 runs.
Then Tanbir Haider (8) and Enamul Haque (14) steadied the innings, ensuring no further dismissals, and guided Rangpur to a well-deserved victory.
Aliss was the pick of the bowlers for Metro, finishing with 2-13, while Rakibul Hasan and Rony took one wicket apiece.
Alauddin won the award of highest wicket-taker for his 19 wickets, and Naim became the highest run-getter of the tournament with 316 runs.
Rony was named player of the tournament for his outstanding all-round performance, taking 13 wickets and scoring 123 runs.