Rajshahi Region and Dhaka Region emerged as the first-ever champions of the Notun Kuri Sports cricket tournament after winning the boys’ and girls’ finals respectively at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on 24 July.
Rajshahi defeated Rangpur Region by 19 runs under the Duckworth Lewis Stern (DLS) method, while Dhaka secured an identical 19-run victory over Mymensingh Region in the girls’ final.
Rajshahi’s triumph was built around a sensational unbeaten knock from Mohammad Sharafat Sadid, who blasted 74 from just 26 balls, striking five fours and eight sixes. After winning the toss and batting first, Rajshahi piled up 134 for 3 in 10 overs, leaving Rangpur with a daunting chase.
Rain interrupted the second innings, reducing the contest to three overs. Under the revised DLS target of 47 runs, Rangpur could only manage 27 for 3, handing Rajshahi the title.
The girls’ final was also shortened because of rain, with each side allotted five overs.
Dhaka stumbled early after losing Rawnak Jahan Naoshin and wicketkeeper Afroza Jahan Mim, both dismissed by Nusrat Jahan Juthi. Captain Afnan Jaman Athai then produced a composed unbeaten 23 off 11 balls, featuring three boundaries and a six, to steer Dhaka to 48 for 4.
Mymensingh’s chase never gathered momentum. Captain Nadia Akter was bowled in the opening over by Riya Moni, who later removed Sadia Afrin Jannat. Three successive run-outs further dented the innings as Mymensingh slipped to 20 for 6 before finishing on 29 for 6.
Riya Moni was named player of the match after returning figures of 2 for 8 in two overs, helping Dhaka lift the inaugural girls’ title.
