NCL set for exciting finish

The 27th National Cricket League (NCL) is set for an exciting finish, with six of the eight teams still in contention for the title as the final round begins on Saturday.

Table-toppers and defending champions Sylhet will take on Barishal at the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium. Barishal currently have 18 points, and a win would allow them to match Sylhet's tally of 26. However, under NCL rules, teams can earn bonus points for winning by an innings or by 10 wickets, scenarios that may come into play in this fixture.

Sylhet remain in a strong position for the title following their 10-wicket victory over Rajshahi in the previous round.

Veteran batter Shamsur Rahman, representing Barishal this season, is set to retire from first-class cricket after this match, and the 37-year-old hopes to end his career "on a good note".

Mymensingh, the newest team in the NCL, trail Sylhet by just two points and are also well-placed to challenge for the title in their debut season. They will face Rajshahi at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Rangpur, who have faced setbacks this season -- drawing three and losing one of their six matches -- will take on Khulna in Bogura. Khulna, who have drawn their last three games, also remain in contention.

With bonus points also available for consecutive wins, Mymensingh, Sylhet, and Chattogram all stand to gain extra points if they secure victories in the final round.

Dhaka, who are not in the title race, could hamper Chattogram Division's title aspirations as they face off at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur.