SYLHET: Opener Tamim Iqbal showcased his fitness and form, scoring a crucial 65 runs off 33 balls to lead Chattogram to a 12-run victory over Sylhet in the NCL T20 tournament at the Sylhet Academy Ground. This performance marked Tamim’s return to competitive cricket after a seven-month hiatus.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tamim’s innings was vital for Chattogram, steering the team to a total of 145-9. His innings included eight fours and three sixes, highlighting his pivotal role as other players struggled to make significant contributions. Only Mahmudul Hasan Joy, with 29 runs, and Sabbir Hosan Sikdar, with 15 runs, managed to reach double figures alongside Tamim. Sylhet’s pacer, Syed Khaled Ahmed, put up a strong performance, taking 4-19 in his three overs.
Sylhet, coming off a previous defeat to Dhaka, managed only 133 runs before being bowled out in 14.2 overs, suffering their second consecutive loss. Despite opener Jishan Alam’s impressive 100 runs in the last match, he was dismissed for a
first-ball duck, leaving Sylhet in a precarious position. However, Taufiq Khan Tushar fought back with a rapid 76 runs from 36 balls, featuring seven fours and six sixes, offering Sylhet hope. Despite Tushar’s efforts, Sylhet’s middle order collapsed, with Amite Hasan and Asadullah Galib also failing to score.
Chattogram spinners Hasan Murad and Nayeem Hasan played a significant role in dismantling Sylhet’s batting lineup, each claiming three wickets to secure the victory.