Dhaka beat Khulna by an innings and 35 runs to win the inaugural NCL Second XI title

Dhaka Second XI have become the first champions of the National Cricket League (NCL) Second XI tournament, beating Khulna by an innings and 35 runs in the final at the Purbachal Cricket Ground. The tournament came to a close with the final today.

Yasir Hossain laid the foundation of the victory on the very first day of the match. His 5 wickets for 47 runs bowled Khulna out for just 137 in the first innings, and Dhaka took control of the match from there.

In reply, Dhaka built a lead of 122 runs by the end of the second day. Captain Ahrar Amin, unbeaten on 131 overnight, went on to score 159 on the third day. Dhaka declared at 324 for 8, leaving Khulna facing the hard task of avoiding an innings defeat.

Khulna’s most successful bowler was Rabiul Islam Rabi, who took 5 wickets for 121 runs.

Khulna could not offer much resistance in the second innings either and were bowled out for 152. Yasir took 3 wickets for 47 runs, while Ahrar and Siam took 3 wickets each for 19 runs.

Jawad Rowen played a fighting innings of 76 for Khulna, but it was not enough to prevent the innings defeat.

Dhaka also featured in the individual awards. Chattogram’s Irfan Sabri Takrir was named the tournament’s best batter with 602 runs, the highest in the competition. Dhaka’s Yasir, who took 47 wickets across the tournament, was named its best performer.

Champions Dhaka received 300,000 taka in prize money along with the trophy. Runners-up Khulna received 150,000 taka.