Chattogram finish top of NCL T20 league stage

Yasir Ali's unbeaten half-century helped Chattogram Division clinch a five-wicket win over Dhaka Division and finish the league stage of the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL) T20 on top of the points table at the Sylhet Outer Stadium on Tuesday.

Chasing a target of 120 runs in a curtailed 13-over contest, Chattogram found themselves in trouble at 36-4 before Yasir struck a blistering 27-ball 53. Irfan Shukkur made a 15-ball 30 as Chattogram posted 123-5 in 12.2 overs to complete their fifth victory in the tournament.

Dhaka's Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby (3-11) and Ripon Mondol (2-13) shared five wickets between them.

Earlier, Ashikur Rahman Shibli (16 off eight balls) and Jishan Alam (21 off seven balls) gave Dhaka a brisk start but they couldn't finish in a similar fashion as Dhaka posted 119-6 in 13 overs after being sent in to bat first. Mosaddek Hossain remained unbeaten on 31 off 27 balls.

Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claimed 3-21 for Chattogram.

With this victory, Chattogram also confirmed their place in the first qualifier with highest 11 points and they will face Khulna Division.

Khulna (nine points) had earlier confirmed their Qualifier berth after winning their sixth round match on October 5. They are currently facing Sylhet Division in the last last league stage match of the tournament.

Meanwhile, despite the defeat, Dhaka also secured their place in the playoffs and will now face Rangpur Division in the Eliminator.

Reigning champions Rangpur earlier leapfrogged current runners-up Dhaka Metro in net run-rate after both finishing the league stage with seven points each.

The Eliminator and First Qualifier will be held on October 9 while the Second Qualifier will take place the following day. The final will be held on October 12.