Sylhet: Habibur Rahman Sohan and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto delivered impressive performances, leading Rajshahi Division to a commanding eight-wicket win against Khulna in their second NCL T20 match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the tournament resumed today after being postponed by the Bangladesh Cricket Board due to inclement weather affecting the Bogura and Rajshahi venues. The revised schedule now places all future matches at Sylhet.
Khulna, opting to bat first, set a formidable target of 171-7, primarily driven by half-centuries from Soumya Sarkar and Afif Hossain. Soumya scored a quick 63 off 34 balls, including six fours and four sixes. Afif played a supporting role with 50 off 45 balls, hitting three fours and three sixes, especially crucial after Soumya's dismissal.
However, Rajshahi's response was spearheaded by Shanto and Habibur, who shared a 148-run partnership in just 12.4 overs. Habibur led the charge with a blistering 94 off 45 balls, featuring 10 fours and six sixes, before being dismissed by Robiul Haque, falling just shy of a century. Shanto remained unbeaten on 65 off 69 balls, striking eight fours and two sixes, ensuring a comfortable chase for Rajshahi.