Muhammad Talha
On a spectacular final day of cricket Team Sylhet have retained the Islami Bank UK Bangladesh District Cup at Seven Kings Park
For the second consecutive year Sylhet lifted the trophy with an unblemished unbeaten streak to become back to back champions.
The tournament started the day with two semi finals.
Sylhet beat Cumilla with the talismanic AZM Johnny dominant with 50 not out. Enamul Haque and Junayed Jamil took a wicket apiece and Mehdi Abbas finished off proceedings with three crucial wickets.
In the second tie Sunamganj took care of Moulvibazar to set up a showdown with Sylhet in a repeat of the 2021 final.
The highlights were Rezaul Kabir scoring 51 and three wickets from Jonathan Das.
All teams wore black armbands in remembrance of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The final was a dramatic affair and saw Sylhet retain the trophy in a tense finale.
In a statement on behalf of the Bangladesh District Cup Board Jawar Ali – Director, Essex County Cricket Board Guests, Shahidul Alam Ratan- CEO, Capital Kids Cricket and Abdus Salam – President, Bangladesh Cricket Supporters Association said, “We have achieved much through this great tournament as we launched two days of hugely entertaining cricket during the group games.
“Today has been no exception. Their has been a buzz throughout. Well done to Sylhet on becoming the first team to retain the title.
“We thank our sponsor Islami Bank, our supporters and most importantly, our teams for creating such great memories.
“This has been a sad week for the country after Queen Elizabeth II died. Our collective thoughts are with the Royal family during this period of national mourning as we join the country and our fellow citizens in paying our respects.”
Guests attending the trophy presentation ceremony included Essex and England cricketer Robin Das, Ashid Ali – Principal, The London Enterprise Academy, Omar Hussain from the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Rashid Ali, Chair of the ILFL, Jamal Uddin from Sonali Othith, Muhi Mikdad and Jakir Ahmed.
Ruman Ahmed was named man of the match.
Man of the tournament: Mahfuzul Karim Mahi Highest run scorer: Rezaul Kabir Highest wicket taker: Mehdi Abbas
The tournament has seen many highlights, including the appearance of seventeen year old Dhaka prodigy Syed Muttaqeen as the youngest player in the tournament.
District Captain Sayfur Rahman has been a driving force throughout. He said, “the mark of champions is reflected in their solidarity. Sylhet have played with balance and vigour. We have treated each team with the utmost respect whilst maintaining an unmatched competitive streak.
Head Coach Emdad Rahman concluded, “This has been another spectacular few days. I’m deeply proud of my team who played with confidence and flair. This year we added resilience against some seriously tough opponents and this is what saw us through. The presence of stalwarts like Radi Hasan, Enamul Haque, Sanjid Sami and Rahatul Javed was crucial in guiding our young team.”
“Our commiserations to Sunamganj and our thanks to the management for working tirelessly to promote cricket and foster such excellent community spirit. The anti racism campaign is an exceptional case in point.”
Roll of Honour Sylhet: Bangladesh District Cup Winners 2022
Emdad Rahman – Head Coach Sayfur Rahman – District Captain Maruf Hasan Coach Mehdi Abbas Mohammad Chowdhury Mahfuzul Karim Mahi Muzzammal Salman Mohammed Enamul Haque (First Team Captain) Rahatul Javed Radi Hasan Sanjid Ali Ruman Ahmed Anamul Haque Chowdhury Shawon Junayed Ahmed Jamil Hussain Ahmed Oyon Ripon Noor AZM Johnny