Run fest on the opening day of NCL T20 in Sylhet

Agency :

The first day (Wednesday) of the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 witnessed a run fest in Sylhet, with standout performances from young talents.

Sylhet Division’s 20-year-old batter, Jisan Alam, stole the show with a scintillating century, while Ariful Islam responded with a match-winning ton for Dhaka Division.

Batting first, Sylhet Division posted a formidable 205 for 4. Jisan, who is representing Sylhet, made his mark with an explosive 100 off just 53 balls, including 10 sixes and 4 fours. Opener Toufiq Khan chipped in with a quickfire 29 off 17 balls, while wicketkeeper Amit Hasan’s slower-paced 26 off 25 balls slightly hindered the momentum.

However, captain Mahfuzur Rabbi ensured the total crossed 200 with a brisk 30 off 17 deliveries. In response, Dhaka faced early trouble, losing their first two batters quickly.

Captain and opener Saif Hassan departed for a duck, while Ashiqur Rahman Shibli managed just 17 runs. However, 20-year-old Ariful Islam turned the game around with a match-defining 94 off 46 balls, smashing 8 sixes and 6 fours.

He was well-supported by Arafat Sunny Jr., who scored 27 off 18 balls, Mahidul Ankon with 30 off 23, and Shuvagata Hom Chowdhury, who contributed 31 off 18. Together, their efforts secured a 6-wicket victory for Dhaka, overcoming the early setbacks.