Rangpur reclaim NCL longer-version title to seal domestic double

Rangpur Division sealed a memorable domestic double as they reclaimed the National Cricket League's longer-version title on Tuesday after Sylhet Division were held to a draw by Barishal Division on the final day of their last-round match at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium.

The draw proved decisive, confirming Rangpur's third NCL longer-format championship and capping a golden season in which they had already lifted the NCL T20 trophy in October.

It marked Rangpur's first longer-version title since the 2022–23 season and underlined their growing dominance in Bangladesh's domestic circuit.

Rangpur had put themselves in the box seat a day earlier with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Khulna Division inside three days. That result lifted them to 31 points and ensured that only an outright win by Sylhet in the final match could have denied them the title.

Sylhet entered the final day under intense pressure, knowing that nothing less than victory would be enough to retain the crown. Set a challenging target of 320 after Barishal declared at 294 for eight, Sylhet fought hard but ran out of time and momentum, finishing on 187 for five when time ran out.

Asadullah Al Galib showed admirable resistance with an unbeaten 61, while Mushfiqur Rahim added a fluent 53, but the match ultimately ended in a draw.

Earlier, Barishal's declaration was built around a superb innings from opener Iftakhar Hossain Ifti, who carried his bat for an unbeaten 128 off 197 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and four sixes to register his second first-class century.

In the day's other fixture at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Rajshahi Division ended Mymensingh Division's fairytale maiden campaign with a 146-run victory.

Despite the defeat, the match produced a standout individual effort from Abu Hider Rony, who resumed on 227 for nine and played a breathtaking knock of 141 not out off 127 balls, smashing 10 fours and 13 sixes to complete his second first-class century.

Rajshahi's Sunzamul Islam starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 5 for 88 and earning the player-of-the-match award. He sealed victory by removing Asadullah Hil Galib for nine, handing Mymensingh their only defeat of the tournament.