Dhaka Division have lifted the 2023-24 National Cricket League (NCL) title after a rain-affected draw against Dhaka Metropolis in Cox's Bazar. Dhaka Division finished with 39 points, a comprehensive lead over second-placed Sylhet Division, who ended with 19 points. This was Dhaka Division's seventh NCL title and the first since the 2021-22 season, putting them equal with Khulna Division for most title wins.
The match was affected by Cyclone Midhili, which struck parts of Bangladesh's southern coast, including Cox's Bazar. The cyclone caused play to be suspended on the first two days, while only 16 overs were possible on the third. A full day's play was only possible on the fourth.
Having electing to bat, Dhaka Metropolis declared on 180 for 3 after 47 overs in the first innings, with opener Mohammad Naim top-scoring with a 58-ball 63. In Dhaka Division's reply, Mahidul Islam smashed an unbeaten 112-ball 100 as they declared on 236 for 5 in 46.2 overs. Dhaka Metropolis openers Azmir Ahmed and Zahiduzzaman then played out the last bit of the game.
Away in Bogra, Sylhet Division signed off their NCL campaign with a 201-run win against Rangpur Division, who have now been relegated to Tier 2 just a season after they were Tier 1 champions.
Batting first, Sylhet were bowled out for 125 with Abdul Gaffar taking four wickets. Rangpur then took a 56-run lead, despite Abu Jayed and Rejaur Rahman picking up four wickets apiece.
However, Sylhet took the game away from Rangpur with a solid batting display in their second innings, where they amassed 442 in 121 overs. Shamsur Rahman struck his 23rd first-class hundred, his third of the season, scoring 128 runs in 180 balls, an innings laced with 13 fours and two sixes.
Initially, though, it was nightwatcher Nasum Ahmed (71) and Jaker Ali (75) who pulled Sylhet out of a tough spot, adding a 102-run stand for the fourth wicket. Shamsur then added 146 for the sixth wicket with Rahatul Ferdous, who chipped in with 46.
Nasum then took six wickets as Rangpur were bowled out for 185, with none of their batters managing even a half-century. Nasum was named Player of the Match for his all-round show.
