The Bangladesh Premier League returned on Sunday in Mirpur, where Shoriful Islam claimed his first five-wicket haul in T20 cricket to spearhead Chattogram Royals’ dominant bowling performance against Noakhali Express in the day’s opening match.
At the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, Chattogram won the toss and chose to field, a decision that paid immediate dividends as Noakhali were bowled out for 126 after being sent in to bat.
Noakhali made a promising start through openers Soumya Sarkar and Hassan Eisakhil, who put on 34 runs for the first wicket. Soumya was dismissed for 14 from eight balls, before Eisakhil fell at the end of the powerplay, scoring 25 from 20 deliveries.
After six overs, Noakhali were 49 for two, but the innings unravelled following the loss of the opening pair. Chattogram’s bowlers tightened their grip and wickets fell regularly as the middle order struggled to cope.
Jaker Ali Anik, batting at number three, showed some resistance with a handful of boundaries. Captain Haider Ali was unable to settle, departing for 12 from 11 balls as Noakhali slipped to 78.
Jaker made 23 from 22 balls before being dismissed at 86, triggering another collapse. Habibur Rahman Sohan scored 11 from 15 deliveries, while Munim Shahriar managed just one run as Noakhali lost momentum completely.
Sabbir Hossain offered late resistance with 22 from 19 balls, but support was scarce and wickets continued to fall. Noakhali’s innings ended at 126, well short of a competitive total on a surface that rewarded disciplined bowling.
Shoriful Islam was the standout performer, finishing with five wickets for just nine runs, his maiden five-for in T20 cricket. Mahedi Hasan provided strong support with three wickets, while Aamir Jamal claimed one.
