Sylhet once again delivered a nail-biting finish, but this time, the reigning champions of the National Cricket League’s (NCL) first-class format walked away with a well-earned victory. In the sixth round of the NCL T20 competition, Sylhet edged past Barishal by two wickets in a low-scoring thriller.

Batting first, Barishal Division could only manage 108 runs before being bowled out in 18.4 overs. Despite a challenging surface, Iftikhar Hossain Ifti’s 26 off 30 balls, including four boundaries, stood out as the top score. Kamrul Islam Rabbi contributed a steady 25 off 26 balls. However, the Barishal batting lineup struggled to handle Sylhet’s disciplined bowling attack.

National team pacer Ebadot Hossain led the charge, taking three crucial wickets. Tofael Ahmed also claimed three scalps, dismantling Barishal’s middle and lower order.

Chasing 109 for victory, Sylhet Division started strong, but the dismissal of opener Jishan Alam triggered a string of regular wickets. However, the experienced Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby kept his composure. The skipper’s unbeaten 18 runs, combined with cautious batting in the latter stages, ensured Sylhet’s victory with seven balls and two wickets to spare.

Earlier in the chase, Tawfique Khan Tushar scored 21, while Wasif Akbar and Jishan chipped in with 20 and 12 runs, respectively. On the bowling front, Barishal’s Kamrul Islam Rabbi grabbed three wickets, while Ruyel Miah picked up two.

This win further cements Sylhet’s reputation as a resilient side in tight situations. Their ability to handle pressure, both with the bat and ball, has made them a standout team in this year’s NCL T20 competition.