Dhaka, Dec  24, ( V7N ) - Rangpur claimed the NCL T20 trophy after a thrilling five-wicket win over Dhaka Metro in the final, but the tournament’s larger success story was the unearthing of new T20 talents alongside redemption arcs for senior players. The revamped domestic competition, designed to cultivate power hitters, highlighted Bangladesh cricket's growing talent pool in the shortest format.

Naim Sheikh and Jishan Alam Lead the Batting Charts

Opener Naim Sheikh rediscovered his best form, topping the run-scoring charts with 316 runs at a strike rate of 135.04. He played a pivotal role in taking Dhaka Metro to the final, where his 57-run knock in the second qualifier sealed their spot.

Youngster Jishan Alam turned heads with his explosive batting, amassing 281 runs at a strike rate of 158.75, including a stunning 52-ball century. Jishan’s 22 sixes—the most in the tournament—showcased his power-hitting potential.

Habibur Rahman (259 runs at a strike rate of 160.86) and Nurul Hasan Sohan (266 runs) also made their mark, with the latter making a strong case for a national team return despite a lower strike rate (126.06).

Veterans and Young Guns Shine with the Ball

At 33, Alauddin Babu topped the wicket-taking charts with 19 wickets, including three in the final, underlining his continued hunger for success. Young pacer Ahmed Sharif made an impression with 17 wickets in his maiden T20 tournament, while Rakibul Hasan (15 wickets, economy 6.41) proved his worth as a reliable left-arm spinner.

Abu Haider Rony showcased his all-round skills, picking up 13 wickets and smashing 123 runs at a strike rate of 164. His performances cemented his status as one of the tournament's standout players.

Tamim Iqbal's Strong Comeback

After a seven-month break from competitive cricket, Tamim Iqbal returned in style, scoring 190 runs in four matches at a strike rate of 150. The veteran opener looked in prime touch, providing a boost to Bangladesh's T20 setup ahead of future assignments.

Emerging Talent Steals the Show

The NCL T20 unearthed several exciting prospects, including Under-19 star Azizul Hakim Tamim, who scored 237 runs at a strike rate of 136.99. His leadership skills and calm temperament were evident throughout the tournament. Akbar Ali, captain of Bangladesh’s Under-19 World Cup-winning team, made his presence felt with 208 runs at a strike rate of 149.64 and 12 dismissals behind the stumps, playing a key role in Rangpur’s title triumph.

What It Means for Bangladesh Cricket

The tournament has given the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) a fresh crop of players to groom for the T20 format. With explosive batters like Jishan Alam and reliable all-rounders like Alauddin Babu, the future looks bright. For players like Naim Sheikh and Tamim Iqbal, it marked a chance to reaffirm their value.

As Bangladesh prepares for upcoming international T20 assignments, the NCL T20 has done its job, offering a glimpse of the next generation while allowing seasoned campaigners to prove their mettle.

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