Low-scoring affairs galore on opening day

All four matches on the opening day of the Women’s National Cricket League 2022 were low-scoring affairs as none of the matches saw the teams reach three figures.

With the T20 World Cup in mind, this year’s NCL is being held in Twenty20 format in Sylhet.

In the opening match of the tournament, hosts Sylhet bowled Chattogram for just 44 in 18.1 overs. Only Tomalika Sumona could manage double figures (10) as Dipa Khatun picked up three wickets for Sylhet.

In reply, Sylhet lost five wickets to reach their target in 14 overs. Dipa, adjudged player of the match, top-scored with 17.

In the other match at Sylhet Academy Ground, Dhaka managed 86-5 in their 20 overs against Rajshahi, with national team batter Fargana Hoque top-scoring with 41 from 43 balls.

But Rajshahi managed a healthy run rate throughout their innings and an unbeaten 22 off 29 balls from Nahida Akter took them home with 14 balls and five wickets to spare.

Bangladesh national team skipper Nigar Sultana Joty’s 31 off 46 deliveries helped Barishal score 85-6 against Khulna. In reply, Shompa’s 34 runs off 59 balls and Rumana Ahmed’s 29 off 36 balls helped Barishal win the match on the last ball of their innings, with five wickets in hand.

Rangpur had the most dominating win among the four teams as they won by 10 wickets. Batting first, Mymensingh were bowled out for only 57 runs, with Fariha Trishna picking up three wickets for Rangpur.

In reply, Murshida Khatun Happy and Sathi Rani put together an unbeaten opening stand of 60 runs to guide them home with eight overs in hand.