DHAKA, Dec 3, 2024 (BSS) - Sylhet Division suffered a 54-run defeat to Rajshahi in the seventh and final round of the 26th National Cricket League (NCL) at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram today. 

This was Sylhet's first defeat in this NCL. They, however, confirmed their first ever NCL title before this round.

Sylhet which eventually collected 37 points, finished with four wins, two draws and one defeat in seven matches of the country's traditional first class tournament.

Their first defeat in this league looked imminent when they were left 142-8, chasing a victory target of 201 on Day 3.

On Day 4, what was the final day of the seventh round, they were able to survive just 16 balls before adding four runs with the rest of the two wickets to be all out for 146 runs finally.

Amid the defeat, their captain Amite Hasan, scored 53 and 71 runs in two innings to cap a successful league for him.

Amite has been in selection radar following a tremendous outing in this league in which he made highest 785 runs at an average of 78.50. He struck two hundreds, one of which was a double century and five fifties in 12 innings of seven matches. 

Khulna opener Anamul Haque Bijoy with 688 runs is in the second place.

Earlier, opting to bat first, Rajshahi racked up 226 in its first innings, thanks to Sabbir Hosan's 116. Sylhet conceded 40-run lead after being bowled out for 186.

Rajshahi thereafter amassed 212 before all out in second innings to set a 201-run target for Sylhet to win this game.