Sylhet poised for repeat NCL triumph

Defending champions Sylhet Division stand on the verge of sealing back-to-back National Cricket League titles as the 27th edition of the country’s premier first-class competition enters its final round.

With one match remaining, Sylhet hold a slender but decisive lead at the top of the points table and need only to protect that advantage when they take on Barishal Division on Saturday at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.

After six rounds, Sylhet remain unbeaten with two wins and four draws, collecting 26 points. Mymensingh, their closest challengers, sit on 24, followed by Rangpur and Khulna on 22 each. Chattogram are further behind on 19, with Barishal on 18. At the foot of the table, Rajshahi and Dhaka share 10 points apiece, Dhaka still searching for their first victory of the campaign.

Sylhet’s push for another title has been anchored by consistency across departments. Zakir Hasan has led the way with the bat, scoring 472 runs, while Amite Hasan has added 425 in the middle order. Their bowling group has been equally steady, spearheaded by right-arm seamer Abu Jayed with 21 wickets and supported by left-arm spinner Nabil Samad’s 17 strikes. That balance has kept Sylhet unbeaten and in control of their own destiny.

Across the league, Khulna opener Soumya Sarkar has dominated the run charts with 577 at an average of 48.08, followed by Rajshahi’s Pritom Kumar (510). Barishal’s left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam leads the wicket-takers with 31, ahead of Chattogram off-spinner Nayeem Hasan on 26. Rangpur pacer Robiul Haque and Barishal’s left-arm seamer Ruyel Miah are next with 22 each.