Mahedi, Tanvir guide Chattogram to commanding win over Noakhali

Tanvir Islam and skipper Shak Mahedi Hasan delivered dominant performances as Chattogram Royals began their Bangladesh Premier League campaign with a comprehensive 65-run victory over Noakhali Express at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday evening, on the opening day of the tournament.

Despite the presence of dew, which was expected to make life difficult for spinners, both Mahedi and Tanvir struck early to put Noakhali on the back foot. After Shoriful Islam removed Habibur Rahman Sohan for 15, Noakhali slipped to 39 for three in just 4.5 overs, with Tanvir and Mahedi claiming wickets inside the Powerplay. Chattogram captain Mahedi later added to the pressure by dismissing the out-of-form Jaker Ali.

Maaz Sadaqat (38) and Haider Ali (28) attempted to rebuild with a 32-run stand, but the resistance was short-lived. Maaz was dismissed by Abu Haider Rony, while Haider perished to Tanvir while attempting a third successive six. Tanvir finished with impressive figures of three for 39, while Mahedi returned two for 17. Pacers Shoriful Islam and Mukidul Islam then wrapped up the innings with two wickets apiece as Noakhali were bowled out for 109.

Earlier, Chattogram named Pakistan top-order batter Mirza Tahir Baig and Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Masood Gurbaz in their playing XI, just managing to meet the foreign-player quota. Baig played a laborious knock as wickets fell around him, while skipper Mahedi provided late momentum with a brisk 26 off just 13 balls.

Baig was dismissed off the final delivery of the innings after scoring 80 from 69 balls, as Chattogram posted 174 for six. Although his innings lacked fluency, it ultimately proved sufficient to hand the Royals a winning start to their BPL campaign.