Chattogram Royals started the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a convincing win over newcomers Noakhali Express. The match, played at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday, saw Chattogram bowl out Noakhali for 109 in pursuit of 171, securing a 65-run victory.
Chattogram had faced uncertainty before the match, with their franchise ownership handed over to the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) just a day before the tournament due to financial issues. Several foreign players withdrew at the last minute, including Soumya Sarkar, leaving the team with limited resources. However, local talent and remaining foreign players stepped up to deliver a commanding performance.
In the chase, Noakhali started well with Habibur Rahman Sohan hitting two sixes and a four in a quick 15-run knock off seven balls. But Shariful Islam trapped Mirza Gurbaz on a brilliant delivery, ending his stay at the crease. Spinners Mahedi Hasan and Abdul Zahir Tanvir then dominated, dismissing Sabbir Hossain, Soikat Ali, and Jaker Ali to wrap up the innings. Tanvir finished with 3 wickets for 39 runs in 4 overs.
Chattogram’s innings began shakily, losing NaIm Sheikh for 29 runs. Pakistani opener Mirza Beg held the innings together, scoring 80 runs off 69 balls with seven fours and two sixes. Captain Mahedi Hasan contributed 26 runs off 13 balls, including three fours and a six. Support came from Sabbir Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Mehedi Hasan Rana, Zahir Khan, and Maz Sadakat, who each took a wicket to help secure the win.
