NCL 2025 Opening Match Preview & Key Highlights

Every year, thousands of cricket fans in Bangladesh eagerly await the start of the National Cricket League (NCL). It is a tournament that brings thrilling matches between high-quality domestic teams. This year’s NCL T20 also promises to be an exciting tournament, as many top names are participating in it. The opening match of the league was played between Rajshahi Division and Dhaka Metropolis on September 14. It was a match marred by the rain; however, Dhaka ultimately came out as the winners in the shortened game.

Having a game affected by rain doesn’t look like a good prospect for any tournament. However, the first NCL match between Rajshahi Division and Dhaka Metropolis became interesting because it went down to the last over of the match. The target set by Rajshahi Division was stiff, but Dhaka Metropolis eventually conquered it by showcasing a strong batting performance.

Let’s take a quick overview of the National Cricket League’s first match. It will let you know how both teams fared in this match, and what gave Dhaka Metropolis an edge over Rajshahi Division.

NCL 2025 Opening Match Preview: A Quick Recap of a Thrilling Game

The first game between Rajshahi Division and Dhaka Metropolis was affected by rain, hence it was shortened to just 5 overs in each innings.

Batting first, Rajshahi Division didn’t have a good start in the game. They tried to make quick runs at the start, but eventually lost both their openers. This was done due to tight bowling by Abu Hider and Arif Ahmed. They removed the captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, and Habibur Rahman Sohan in back-to-back strikes.

After losing both the openers, Rajshahi Division came under a lot of pressure. They could have crumbled further if Sabbir Rahman hadn’t arrived at the crease. The batter successfully negated the attack of the Dhaka Metropolis bowlers, giving Rajshahi a strong base in the game once again. He made a quick 33 off 15 balls by smashing 1 four and 3 sixes.

Meanwhile, the other middle order batter, SM Meherob, also played a valuable hand by scoring a quick 15 runs off 9 balls. Due to their combined effort, Rajshahi Division managed to score 60 runs at the end of the innings.

When Dhaka Metropolis came out to bat, they didn’t have a good start either. They lost quick wickets due to smart bowling by Rajshahi Division bowlers. The captain, Mohammad Naim, got out quickly after making just 7 runs. Similarly, Mahmudullah also went back to the pavilion after scoring just 6 runs. It was a game looking well set for the Rajshahi Division team, until Mahfijul Islam started to play big shots.

He played furiously, taking down all the main bowlers of the Rajshahi team. Due to his batting command, the rising speedster Nahid Rana also came under a lot of pressure. The game then went down to the last over, and Mahfijul Islam finally came out as the match hero for the Dhaka Metropolis team. He scored a rapid 30 off 12 balls, giving the Dhaka team a close win in the first NCL match of the 2025 season.

Dhaka Metropolis Squad

Players: Naim Sheikh (c), Mahfijul Islam Robin, Anisul Islam Emon, Shadman Islam, Aich Mollah, Mahmudullah Riyad, Shamsur Rahman Shuvo, Gazi Tahjibul Islam, Aminul Islam Biplob, Rakibul Hasan, Arif Ahmed, Mahmudul Hasan, Abu Hider Rony, Maruf Mridha, Shohidul Islam.

Standby: Arafat Sunny, Al-Amin Jr, Aich Mollah, Salauddin Sourav, Nuhayel Sandeed, Taskin Ahmed, Marshall Ayub.

Rajshahi Division Squad

Players: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Habibur Rahman Sohan, Sabbir Hossen, Sabbir Rahman, Mehrob Hossain, Pritom Kumar, Shakhir Hossain Shuvro, Golam Kibria Shakil, Wasi Siddiquee, Taijul Islam, Nihaduzzaman, Mohor Sheikh Antor, Asaduzzaman Payel, Shafiqul Islam, Nahid Rana.

Standby: Rahim Ahmed, Sujon Hawlader, Naeem Islam, Mizanur Rahman, Sunzamul Islam, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Towhid Hridoy.

Final Words

The first NCL match between Rajshahi Division and Dhaka Metropolis proved to be a thriller. Both teams fought neck to neck till the end of the match. They knew the importance of getting a first win, as that usually sets the tone for the rest of the tournament. Dhaka Metropolis ultimately came out as the winners by using the right tactics and strategies. They gained the upper hand over the Rajshahi team, although the latter fought brilliantly until the last over.