Rangpur Division clinch their second NCL title
Dhaka Metropolis earn a promotion to tier 1 for the next season, while Chattogram Division slide to tier 2
Rangpur Division pose after winning the National Cricket League • Rangpur Division
Zakir Hasan, Sylhet's captain and wicketkeeper, was the tournament's highest run-getter with 442 runs that included a maiden double-hundred. Veteran Jahurul Islam and Towfiq Khan were the second and third highest scorers respectively, while newcomer Abdullah Al Mamun was adjudged Player of the Tournament for his 326 runs and 11 wickets for Rangpur.
Sumon Khan of Dhaka was the highest wicket-taker this season, with 33 scalps at an average of 11.15. This is the lowest bowling average for any fast bowler who has taken a minimum of 30 wickets in a season in the tournament's history.
The Rangpur-Sylhet game would have decided the NCL title although Rangpur had a healthy lead going into the last round.
Rangpur made a slow start but finished the tournament with four wins. Sylhet and Dhaka had the title in sight till the fourth round but floundered in their last two games. In tier 2, the plight of Rajshahi Division and Khulna Division is concerning as both are giants in the first-class circuit. Both sides will continue in tier 2 in the next season as well.
Among the newcomers, the Rangpur duo of Musfik and Mamun was impressive, while Zakir and Sumon got the most runs and most wickets respectively. What would also please the Bangladesh team management was Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring 73 against Dhaka, while Ebadot taking 5 for 38 against Rangpur. Both are expected to play an important role during Bangladesh's home series against India next month.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84