Tamim’s explosive knock and tight bowling hand Chattogram first NCL T20 victory
The win was powered by Tamim Iqbal’s explosive knock and a disciplined bowling effort that outclassed Sylhet, handing the first-class champions their second consecutive loss in the tournament.
Chattogram registered their first victory in the National Cricket League (NCL) T20, defeating Sylhet by 12 runs in a rain-affected match on 12 December.
The win was powered by Tamim Iqbal's explosive knock and a disciplined bowling effort that outclassed Sylhet, handing the first-class champions their second consecutive loss in the tournament.
The match, held at Sylhet Academy Ground, was reduced to 15 overs per side due to weather delays. Batting first, Chattogram posted a competitive total of 145 for 9, with Tamim leading the charge.
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After a subdued performance in the opening match, the former Bangladesh captain smashed a blistering 65 runs off just 33 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes.
Partnering with Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who scored 29 off 17 balls, Tamim gave Chattogram a flying start, the duo adding 80 runs in just 6.5 overs.
However, after the openers departed, the rest of Chattogram's batting lineup faltered, failing to capitalise on the strong foundation.
Yasir Ali Chowdhury, Sajjadul Haque Ripon, and Mominul Haque contributed only single-digit scores, while Sabbir Hossain added 15 runs off 12 balls.
Syed Khaled Ahmed starred with the ball for Sylhet, taking four wickets, while Tofayel Ahmed claimed two.
In response, Sylhet's chase was dominated by Toufik Khan Tushar, who played a breathtaking innings of 76 off 36 balls.
His knock, laced with seven fours and six sixes at a strike rate of 211.11, single-handedly kept Sylhet in contention.
However, Tushar received little support from his teammates, with the top four batters—Zisan Alam, Amit Hasan, and Asadullah Al Galib—all dismissed for ducks.
Once Tushar was dismissed, Sylhet's innings unravelled quickly, with the team bowled out for 133 in 14.2 overs.
Chattogram's bowlers rose to the occasion, with Nayeem Hasan and Hasan Murad taking three wickets each, ensuring the team's first win of the tournament.
