Nasir’s all-round brilliance powers Dhaka to dominant win over Noakhali

Nasir Hossain produced a scintillating all-round performance to guide Dhaka Capitals to a commanding seven-wicket victory over struggling Noakhali Express, keeping their playoff hopes alive in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) T20 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

After taking one wicket for 24 runs in three overs, Nasir struck an unbeaten 90 off just 50 balls, an innings studded with 14 fours and two sixes as Dhaka chased down Noakhali's total of 133 runs in just 14.1 overs with three wickets in hand.

He reached his half-century off only 21 deliveries -- the fastest fifty of the ongoing edition.

Imad Wasim provided excellent support with an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls as the duo added an unbroken 61-run stand for the third wicket. 

Hasan Mahmud was the lone bright spot with the ball for Noakhali, finishing with figures of 2 for 17 from his three overs.

The win was Dhaka's second in six matches and also ended a three-match losing streak, while Noakhali slumped to their fifth consecutive defeat of the tournament.

Earlier, Noakhali once again struggled after being sent in to bat. Still reeling from being bowled out for 61 in their previous match against Sylhet Titans, they were reduced to 40 for five inside the first 10 overs.

Foreign recruits Haider Ali and Mohammad Nabi attempted a recovery with a 91-run partnership off 61 balls, lending some respectability to the total. However, their effort ultimately fell short as Noakhali managed 133 for six in their allotted 20 overs.

Skipper Haider was dismissed in the final over after scoring 47 off 36 balls, while Nabi remained unbeaten on 42 from 33 deliveries.

Nasir capped off his memorable outing with the ball as well, returning figures of 1 for 24 from three overs, while the other five Dhaka bowlers chipped in with one wicket each.