Tamim XI were knocked out of the ongoing BCB President's Cup following a seven-run defeat against Najmul XI in the final group stage match of the tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

The match that was reduced to 41 overs-a-side due to rain was a must-win encounter for Tamim XI.  

Tamim XI were set a 164-run target, as per the DLS method, after they bundled out Najmul XI for 165 in 39.3 overs.

Despite Tamim scoring an 85-ball 57 -- his first fifty of the tournament -- his side were unable to secure a victory. Chasing a mediocre target, Tamim XI lost opener Anamul Haque early in the innings. However, skipper Tamim and Mahidul Islam strung together a 68-run second wicket stand to mitigate the early loss. 

At one point of the game, it seemed as if Tamim XI would cruise along towards victory with Tamim and Mahidul batting comfortably out in the middle. But a slight confusion between the duo while running between the wickets saw Mahidul being run-out in the 21st over after scoring a 45-ball 22. 

Mushfiqur Rahim walks out of the ground after injuring his right shoulder. Photo: Firoz Ahmed

After that, Tamim picked up his first fifty of the tournament but he too fell in the 28th over. Tamim slashed an outside off Abu Jayed delivery only to edge it back to Irfan Shukkur, who had to take up the wicket-keeping gloves after regular wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim injured his right shoulder while trying to take a diving catch earlier in the game. Mushfiqur had walked out of the ground and was seen receiving treatment after that. 

Tamim XI kept losing wickets at regular intervals following Tamim's dismissal. They were left requiring 15 off the final over with a wicket in hand and Mohammad Saifuddin on strike. The all-rounder managed to hit Soumya Sarkar for a six but his attempt to follow it up with another maximum saw him being caught at long-on, resulting in an agonising defeat for Tamim XI. 

Taskin Ahmed remained the pick of the bowlers for Najmul XI as the right-armer returned impressive figures of four for 36 in his eight overs.  

Najmul XI will face Mahmudullah XI in the final of the tournament on Friday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium.