Chattogram Royals moved to the top of the Bangladesh Premier League table on Sunday in Mirpur, beating Noakhali Express by five wickets in the opening match following the tournament’s return, a defeat that also confirmed Noakhali’s exit from the competition.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Chattogram won the toss and elected to field, a decision that set the tone for a match largely controlled by their bowlers before a measured chase secured victory with 18 balls to spare.
Noakhali began steadily through openers Soumya Sarkar and Hassan Eisakhil, who added 34 runs for the first wicket. Soumya was dismissed for 14 from eight balls, while Eisakhil fell on the final delivery of the powerplay for 25 off 20. At the end of six overs, Noakhali were 49 for two.
The innings unravelled soon after. Jaker Ali Anik, batting at number three, struck a few boundaries in an attempt to rebuild, but wickets fell regularly at the other end. Captain Haider Ali made 12 from 11 balls before departing at 78, and Jaker followed soon after for 23 from 22 deliveries, dismissed with the total on 86.
Habibur Rahman Sohan scored 11 from 15 balls, while Munim Shahriar managed just one, as Noakhali continued to lose momentum. Late resistance came from Sabbir Hossain, who made 22 from 19 balls, but Noakhali were bowled out for 126.
Shoriful Islam led Chattogram’s bowling attack with five wickets for nine runs, supported by Mahedi Hasan, who took three wickets, and Aamir Jamal, who claimed one.
Chattogram’s chase began poorly. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed in the first over without scoring, and Mohammad Haris followed soon after for seven. Mahfijul Islam was out for a duck, before Naim Sheikh briefly counter-attacked with 17 from eight balls. At 29 for four, Chattogram were wobbling.
They reached 44 for four at the end of the powerplay before captain Mahedi began to rebuild alongside Hasan Nawaz. Nawaz scored 11 from 14 balls before being dismissed at 69.
From there, Mahedi found a reliable partner in Asif Ali. The pair batted with composure, rotating the strike and finding boundaries when required, avoiding unnecessary risks as the target came into view.
Mahedi sealed the win with a six, finishing unbeaten on 49 from 36 balls, while Asif remained not out on 36 from 30 deliveries. Chattogram reached the target with five wickets down and three overs remaining.
