Rangpur Division’s National Cricket League (NCL) campaign began on a high note with a commanding win against Chattogram Division, securing victory by an innings and 81 runs in Bogra.
Rangpur Division’s National Cricket League (NCL) campaign began on a high note with a commanding win against Chattogram Division, securing victory by an innings and 81 runs in Bogra. Despite losing the first day to rain, Rangpur displayed an impressive combination of aggressive batting and balanced bowling that allowed them to dominate both innings of the game. However, maintaining this momentum through the entire NCL season presents its own set of challenges.
After losing the first day to rain, Rangpur came out ready to make up for lost time. Khalid Hasan and Mim Mosaddeak led the charge, scoring brisk fifties and maintaining an impressive run rate of 4.7 per over. Their strategic, aggressive play allowed Rangpur to put up 273 runs, a total they felt confident enough to declare on, despite early stoppages in play.
Rangpur’s batters set an aggressive tempo, a clear indication that they’re not just playing to win but to dominate. Maintaining this level of intensity in every game will be crucial to their success this season. With strong individual contributions from Hasan and Mosaddeak, the batting lineup appears stable and ready to keep setting competitive targets. However, a single impressive performance doesn’t guarantee consistent output over the league, and the team will need continued depth and versatility in their lineup.
Rangpur’s bowling department was exceptional in this first encounter. Chattogram’s batting collapsed twice, scoring only 103 in the first innings and 89 in the second, showing how effective Rangpur’s attack was. In the first innings, each bowler contributed by taking two wickets each, a testament to Rangpur’s variety and depth in bowling options. This is especially promising for Rangpur, as it demonstrates that they have multiple strike bowlers capable of creating breakthroughs.
In the second innings, Chattogram struggled even more, with Abdullah Al Mamun’s figures of 3 for 10 leading the way. Mukidul Islam, Chowdhury Md Rizwan, and Rishad Hossain chipped in with two wickets each, demonstrating their balanced bowling unit. Rizwan’s all-around performance earned him the player-of-the-match award, showcasing how key players are rising to the occasion.
While Rangpur’s first match shows promise, the NCL season is long and unpredictable. Historically, consistency in all departments – batting, bowling, and fielding – is essential to succeed in Bangladesh’s premier first-class competition. Their next encounters will likely present different conditions and new challenges. As the season progresses, bowlers may face wear and tear, and the batters will need to adapt to varied bowling attacks and pitch conditions across the country.
Other divisions have already shown resilience and skill in their first-round matches. Dhaka Metropolis, for instance, defeated Barishal Division with a powerful batting display, thanks to Marshall Ayub and Aich Mollah’s centuries. Similarly, defending champions Dhaka Division secured a draw against Sylhet in a match marked by individual performances like Mahidul Islam Ankon’s century. Rajshahi Division and Khulna Division also had a strong showing, with Tanzid Hasan and Sabbir Hossain putting up significant runs.
Rangpur’s journey is off to an electrifying start, but sustaining this success will require teamwork, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure over a long season. Key players like Rizwan, Khalid Hasan, and Mosaddeak will need to continue performing and maintain the momentum for Rangpur to remain a top contender.