Veteran opener Tamim Iqbal failed to shine in the opening day of the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 as Chattogram Division suffered a five-wicket loss to Rangpur Division at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The match marked the much-anticipated return of Tamim, who returned to competitive cricket after a gap of 219 days. 

However, Tamim managed only 13 runs off 10 balls, hitting one four and one six.

Before this match, Tamim last played on May 6 in the Dhaka Premier League. Following a lengthy break, he had to pass a fitness test to secure his spot in the NCL squad.

Batting first, Chattogram managed to score 132 for 9. Despite getting starts, Mahmudul Hasan Joy (18) and captain Yasir Ali Rabbi (18) couldn’t capitalise.

Mominul Haque top-scored with 27, while Irfan Sukkur added 20 off 19 balls. Rangpur's Mukidul Mugdho picked up 3 wickets, while Alauddin Babu claimed 2.

In response, Rangpur chased down the target with 3.1 overs to spare, winning by 5 wickets. Opener Tanvir Haider led the charge with 41 runs, and Captain Akbar Ali contributed 25