Shanto’s Rajshahi bow out as Dhaka metro extend unbeaten run, Khulna and Chattogram secure NCL T20 playoff spots
Meanwhile, Dhaka defeated Barishal but narrowly missed out on qualification due to an inferior net run rate.
The National Cricket League T20 saw high-stakes drama on 19 December, with Khulna and Chattogram clinching their playoff berths, Dhaka Metro maintaining their perfect record, and Nazmul Hossain Shanto's Rajshahi exiting the competition despite a valiant win.
Meanwhile, Dhaka defeated Barishal but narrowly missed out on qualification due to an inferior net run rate.
Shanto's Rajshahi bow out despite victory
Rajshahi salvaged pride with a 26-run victory over Sylhet at the Sylhet Academy Ground, marking their second win of the tournament. However, with just 4 points from 7 matches, Shanto's side bowed out of contention.
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Batting first, Rajshahi posted 181 for 8, led by a masterful 78 off 48 balls from captain Shanto, whose innings featured six fours and five sixes. Sabbir Hossain's 30 off 14 and Towhid Hridoy's 21 off 12 added to the tally.
In response, Sylhet's chase revolved around Zisan Alam's 60 off 32, but lack of support from other batters left them stranded at 155 for 8. Rajshahi's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, sharing wickets evenly to secure a consolation win.
Unbeaten Dhaka Metro extend their dominance
Dhaka Metro secured their seventh consecutive win, defeating Chattogram by 17 runs to end the group stage with a flawless record of 14 points.
After being put in to bat, Metro posted 158 for 8, with Shamsur Rahman (56 off 48) and Marshall Ayub (51 off 42) anchoring the innings. Captain Naim Sheikh chipped in with a brisk 22 off 12. Chattogram's Ahmed Sharif picked up three wickets to keep the total in check.
Despite Yasir Ali Chowdhury's 46 off 31 and Sadikur Rahman's 44 off 27, Chattogram's chase faltered at 141 for 9, with Metro's bowlers Rakibul Hasan, Arafat Sunny, and Aminul Islam Biplob taking two wickets each. Despite the defeat, Chattogram's superior net run rate ensured their qualification for the playoffs.
Khulna seal playoff spot with commanding win
Khulna stormed into the playoffs with a comprehensive 34-run victory over Rangpur. After being sent in to bat, Khulna amassed 195 for 4, thanks to Azizul Hakim Tamim's 66 off 41 and Mohammad Mithun's Player of the Match-winning 71 off 49. Imrul Kayes added a late blitz with an unbeaten 40 off 19 balls.
Rangpur's chase stumbled, with only captain Akbar Ali providing resistance through his 52 off 29. Khulna's bowlers, led by Sheikh Parvez Jibon and Tipu Sultan with three wickets each, restricted Rangpur to 161 for 9, ensuring their spot in the playoffs.
Dhaka's win over barishal not enough
Dhaka defeated Barishal by 19 runs in their final league match but were eliminated due to a lower net run rate than Chattogram.
Batting first, Dhaka scored 178 runs, with significant contributions from Suman Khan (36 not out off 21), Arif Hossain (27 off 10), and Najmul Islam Apu (23 off 12). Barishal's Ruhel Mia (4 for 36) and Jehadul Haque (3 for 29) impressed with the ball.
Barishal's reply faltered early, with the team reduced to 56 for 4. Late efforts from Sohag Gazi (30 off 20) and Kamrul Islam Rabbi (39 not out off 23) proved insufficient as they ended on 159 for 6. Suman Khan and Saif Hasan claimed two wickets each to cap off Dhaka's campaign.
Playoff line-up confirmed
The playoff stage is set, with Dhaka Metro, Khulna, Rangpur, and Chattogram progressing. Dhaka Metro will face Rangpur in the first Qualifier on 21 December, while Khulna and Chattogram will battle in the Eliminator.
Rajshahi, Dhaka, Barishal, and Sylhet now turn their attention to rebuilding for the next season.
