Tamim's brilliance overshadowed by Salman’s heroics as Barishal, Rangpur, and Dhaka Metro claim victories

Barishal's Salman Hossain Imon delivered a dramatic finish, eclipsing Tamim Iqbal's stunning 91 for Chattogram to secure a thrilling 5-wicket victory in the NCL T20.

Meanwhile, Rangpur and Dhaka Metro continued their winning streaks with commanding performances against Rajshahi and Dhaka Division, respectively.

Barishal snatch victory from the jaws of defeat as Salman's fireworks seal the win

Chattogram Division appeared on course to win after posting a challenging 182/7, thanks to an exceptional 91 from captain Tamim, which included seven fours and six sixes.

However, Barishal's chase was in jeopardy until the final over, when Salman Hossain Imon's blistering assault turned the match on its head.

Chattogram's innings was propelled by Tamim's brilliance, as he guided his side to a solid total. However, despite the captain's effort, no other batter could provide sustained support, and Barishal remained in the hunt.

Barishal's response was anchored by Iftikhar Hossain Ifti, whose 56 off 39 balls set the foundation for the chase. Yet, as the required rate climbed, Barishal seemed to lose control, with 25 runs needed from the final over.

That's when Salman stepped up. After a cautious first ball, he struck two sixes and a boundary from the next three deliveries, reducing the equation to 16 from the last four balls.

A no-ball from Irfan Hossain, followed by another six from Salman, brought the total down further. Despite a dot ball, Salman sealed the win with a four on the final delivery, finishing unbeaten on 53 off 28 balls, including 2 fours and 4 sixes.

Barishal clinched the victory, chasing down the target with just one ball to spare.

Rangpur maintain perfect run as Akbar leads the charge

Rangpur Division continued their flawless start to the tournament, chasing down Rajshahi's target of 190 with seven wickets and two overs to spare. Rajshahi, having batted first, posted 189/8, with Sabbir Hossain's 73* off 52 balls being the standout performance.

Golam Kibria also made a significant contribution with a quick 38 off 15 balls, but Rangpur's bowlers, Alauddin Babu and Chaudhary Mohammad Rizwan, limited the damage, taking three wickets each.

In response, Rangpur's chase was built on the solid foundation laid by Tanvir Haider, whose 71 off 45 balls kept the innings on track. However, it was the captain, Akbar Ali, who provided the match-winning fireworks.

The Under-19 World Cup-winning skipper remained unbeaten on 68 off just 29 balls, hammering four fours and six sixes at an astonishing strike rate of 234.48. Akbar took apart the Rajshahi attack, including veteran spinner Taijul Islam, who was costly, conceding 62 runs in his four overs.

Rangpur secured the win with ease, continuing their perfect run in the competition.

Dhaka Metro extend their unbeaten streak against Dhaka Division

Dhaka Metro rounded off the day's action with a 19-run victory over Dhaka Division in the 'Battle of the Dhakas'. Batting first, Dhaka Metro posted a competitive 190/7, with Naim Sheikh's 69 off 54 balls anchoring the innings.

Shamsur Rahman Shuvo provided the late flourish, scoring 43 off 22 balls, while Anisul Emon contributed 23 from 13 balls. For Dhaka Division, Sumon Khan and Nazmul Islam Apu took two wickets each but couldn't stem the flow of runs.

In reply, Dhaka Division's chase faltered early, losing captain Saif Hassan in the first over. Ronny Talukdar, fresh from the Lanka T10, gave the innings a boost with a rapid 39 off 19 balls.

However, as wickets tumbled, the pressure mounted. Arif Hossain's 42 off 31 balls and Arafat Sunny Jr.'s 29 off 32 kept the chase alive, but it was always going to be a tough task.

Despite a late cameo from Taibur Rahman (21 off 12 balls), Dhaka Division finished on 171/8, falling short by 19 runs. Anisul Islam was the standout bowler for Dhaka Metro, taking 4 wickets for 38 runs to seal the victory.