Tamim Iqbal put on a grand show in Sylhet yesterday in the National Cricket League (NCL) T20 with an exquisite 33-ball 65 – which was the highlight of another good day in the newly laid-out tournament for local players.

The former Bangladesh captain, who is returning to competitive cricket after seven months with the NCL T20, hit a classy half-century, his 50th in recognised T20s, to help Chattogram Division post 145-9 in their allotted 15 overs in a curtailed game in Sylhet.

In reply, Sylhet Division opener Tawfique Khan Tushar hit back with a quickfire 36-ball 76 but got no support from his teammates as his side succumbed to a 12-run defeat.

Tamim, who made 13 off 10 in the previous match against Rangpur Division, looked in command from the start against Chattogram, hitting flourishing drives off pacers and clearing the ropes against spinners with ease.

National selector Hannan Sarkar, who closely observed Tamim's knock, said the youngsters watching from the field could learn a lot from this innings.

"How experienced players build their innings and finish it off, was on display in Tamim's batting today [yesterday]. The juniors had the opportunity to closely observe him from the field.

"We always think T20 batting is just about power-hitting. It is obviously necessary but along with that, one has to balance themselves and maintain their shape, like Tamim did in the shots he played down the wicket," Hannan said.

Meanwhile, in another game held at the same venue, Khulna Division defeated Barishal Division by one run in a thrilling encounter. Chasing 131, Moin Khan's unbeaten 27-ball 43 nearly took Barishal home, who needed three runs in the last three balls with four wickets in hand.

But only one run came from the last three balls off a wide as the Khulna fielders executed three run outs, all of which involved skipper and wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan, and Barishal succumbed to a dramatic defeat.

Hannan pointed out that Moin's decision to get off strike in the final over might have cost Barishal the game and how this was a learning opportunity for the batter.

"The tournament's purpose was to promote our local players. There was a close match today [yesterday] and on Tuesday a big score was chased down. If things continue going this way, our players will gain experience through domestic cricket."

In the day's other two games, Dhaka Metro completed an eight-run win over Rajshahi Division while Rangpur Division completed a comfortable 21-run win over Dhaka Division.