Sylhet: Shakhir Hossin overcame a sensational bowling spell of left-arm spinner Abu Hasim to guide Rajshahi Division to a four-wicket win over defending champions Rangpur in a low-scoring affair in the NCL T20 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Put into bat first, Rangpur were bundled out for just 143 in 19.3 overs despite a valiant effort from Iqbal Hosen who made 50 off 45 with three fours and one six.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Abu Hasim denied Rajshahi a straightforward chase. The left-spinner tilted the game towards Rangpur with regular strikes, finishing with impressive figures of 4-1-7-4, which reduced Rajshahi to 29-5 in the sixth over. Resistance came from Shakhir Hossain and Sabbir Rahman, who helped Rajshahi regroup. They shared a 74-run partnership for the sixth wicket before Alauddin Babu broke the stand by removing Sabbir, who made a run-a-ball 35.
Sabbir’s dismissal provided Rangpur with a glimmer of hope, but Nihaduzzaman joined Shakhir to further dent Rangpur’s chances. Shakhir remained unbeaten on 52 off 42 balls, hitting two fours and three sixes, while Nihaduzzaman was not out on 27 off 14 balls, hitting two fours and two sixes.