Khulna and Sylhet Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

On Wednesday, Khulna and Sylhet secured crucial victories in separate matches of the NCL T20, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Khulna defeated Chattogram by 5 wickets, while Sylhet claimed a narrow 2-wicket win over Barishal.

At the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Chattogram batted first after losing the toss. Sheikh Parvez Jibon’s double strike reduced Chattogram to 45/4 early in the innings. Yasir Ali Chowdhury Rabbi and Siraj Mia added 47 runs for the fifth wicket to steady the ship.

Rabbi smashed a blistering 61 off 39 balls, helping Chattogram post 129/6 in their allotted overs. For Khulna, Sheikh Parvez Jibon and Zayed Ullah each took three wickets.

Chasing 130, Khulna lost their centurion from the previous match, Anamul Haque Bijoy, early. Azizul Hakim Tamim scored a quick 36 off 25 balls, while Sohan added 20. Ziaur Rahman’s 39 guided Khulna to victory with 5 wickets in hand and 7 balls to spare.

In the other match, Barishal batted first after losing the toss and were bowled out for 108. Opener Iftikhar Ifti top-scored with 26, while Moin Khan (16) and skipper Sohag Gazi (11) chipped in. Kamrul Rabbi added a valuable 25 runs at the end. For Sylhet, Ebadot Hossain and Tofayel Ahmed took three wickets each.

Sylhet’s chase of 110 began with a 38-run opening partnership between Taufiq Khan Tushar (21) and Jishan Alam (12). Wasif Akbar contributed 20 runs, but it was skipper Mahfuzur Rahman Rabbi’s slow yet steady 18 off 30 balls that sealed the win. Sylhet reached the target with 7 balls to spare, losing 8 wickets. Kamrul Islam Rabbi claimed 3 wickets for Barishal.

With these wins, both Khulna and Sylhet remain in contention for a spot in the NCL T20 playoffs.