Noakhali Express posted a competitive 173 for two against Rangpur Riders in the 29th match of the 12th Bangladesh Premier League on Saturday, riding a maiden BPL century from Hasan Eisakhil.
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Noakhali made a cautious start and lost early wickets. Rahmatullah Ali was dismissed for the team’s first wicket with the score on 32 at the end of the powerplay, before Jaker Ali Anik followed soon after for 36 as his struggles with form continued.
From there, Eisakhil and captain Haider Ali rebuilt the innings with composure before shifting through the gears. Eisakhil began watchfully but grew in confidence once set, while Haider rotated the strike and kept the innings moving according to the match situation.
Eisakhil reached his century from 70 balls, striking four fours and 10 sixes, becoming the first Afghan batter to score a hundred in the BPL. The knock carried added significance after he fell just short of a century on debut. Haider played a key supporting role as the pair put on an unbroken partnership of 137.
Noakhali closed on 173 for two from their 20 overs, with Eisakhil unbeaten on 107 from 72 balls and Haider finishing 42 not out from 32 deliveries. For Rangpur, Nahid Rana and Aliss Islam claimed one wicket each.
