Dhaka Metro defeated Rajshahi by seven wickets in the opening match of the second edition of the National Cricket League (NCL) on 14 September at Shaheed Kamruzzaman Cricket Stadium, Rajshahi. Persistent rain delayed the start, and the match was reduced from 20 overs to just five. Winning the toss, Dhaka Metro captain Naim Sheikh chose to field.
Batting first, Rajshahi lost early wickets, with Nazmul Hossain Shanto dismissed without scoring. Arif Ahmed then struck twice in the second over, sending Habibur Rahman Sohan (2) and Sabbir Hossain (4) back to the pavilion. Sabbir Rahman and Mehrab Hossain Ahin steadied the innings, with Sabbir hitting three sixes in the final over to finish unbeaten on 33 off 15 balls. Rajshahi posted 60 for 3. Arif Ahmed and Abu Haidar Rony took two and one wickets respectively.
Chasing 61, Dhaka Metro openers Naim Sheikh and Mahfizul Islam Robin started aggressively. Naim fell early, and Mahmudullah Riyad (6 off 4) was dismissed in the third over after hitting a boundary off his first ball. Robin anchored the innings, scoring a rapid 30 not out off 12 balls. Abu Haidar Rony contributed 8 off 4, while Nahid Rana struck two consecutive fours in the final over to seal the victory. Dhaka Metro reached the target in 4.3 overs, losing three wickets along the way.
