Meanwhile, the NCL saw the return of first-choice players after those selected in the BCB XI squad for the proposed Tamil Nadu tour remained at home due to a delay in getting their visas.
There were five five-wicket hauls in this round of games, with veteran left-arm spinner Nabil Samad taking his second successive five-for for Sylhet, who were also helped by Tanzim Hasan Sakib‘s 5 for 53 in the second innings. Meanwhile, Chattogram’s Hasan Murad and Khulna’s Tipu Sultan got a five-wicket haul each in a losing cause, even as Rajshahi’s Taijul Islam took 6 for 109 in their big win over Dhaka Metro.
Best match
Sylhet’s four-wicket win over Dhaka Division could have major consequences later in the competition, as they now lead in their tier. Playing against the defending champions, that was a massive result for Sylhet, who have never won the tournament.
Nabil’s 5 for 36 rocked Dhaka, who were bowled out for 128 in the first innings. Sylhet took only a 39-run lead, with Amite’s 63 being the only notable contribution in their total of 167. Dhaka replied with 256, as Shuvagata Hom top-scored with 89. But Sakib’s late burst of five wickets restricted them to a 217-run lead after their second innings.
Sylhet lost three early wickets in the chase of 218, but the experienced opener Imtiaz Hossain held firm with a patient 51. However, big-hitting Jaker and Sakib ensured Sylhet’s crucial win in Tier 1.
Sylhet are on top of the points table, with Rangpur also opening their account in Tier 1. Rajshahi lead the Tier 2 table, while Khulna suffered their second loss in a row.
Players to watch
Amite, last season’s second-highest scorer, continued his fine form with another fifty for Sylhet, after scoring 79 in the first round. Young fast bowler Sakib impressed with his performance too, with experienced Nabil also picking up his second successive five-for.