DHAKA, Dec 22, 2024 (BSS)-Dhaka Metro became second time lucky to confirm the 
final of the NCL T20 after thrashing Khulna by 38 runs in the second 
Qualifier today at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Metro will now take on Rangpur in the final, which is on Tuesday at the same 
venue.

Earlier, Metro which won all seven matches in the group phase stumbled at the 
first Qualifier when Rangpur beat them to confirm the final at the first 
shot.

Khulna, meanwhile, got a shot at final after beating Chattogram in the 
Eliminator game but eventually a batting failure against Metro dented their 
hopes.

Opting to bat first, Metro put up a meager 119-8 and then defended it 
astutely to wrap up Khulna for just 81 in 17.4 overs.

Even though the pitch was extremely slow, a total less than 120 was always 
chase-able in this format. However, the task for Khulna got tougher due to 
left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan who opened the bowling and took two wickets in 
the first over, handing youngster Azizul Hakim Tamim and Imrul Kayes a duck.

He eventually finished with 2-16. After Rakibul's carnage, Mosaddek Hossain 
Saikat appeared in the stage to further derail Khulna.

He firstly dismissed Anamul Haque Bijoy for 16 and then returned in the 
second spell to get the better of Sheik Parrvej Sjibon and Masum Khan Tutul 
to claim 3-13. 

Saikat was largely benefitted by the tight bowling of Aliss Al Islam who 
conceded just five runs in four overs and in addition dismissed Khulna 
captain Nurul Hasan Sohan for team-best 22.

Maruf Mridha also grabbed two wickets to clean up the tail before Saikat 
wrapped up the innings with the wicket of Tutul for 16.

Captain Naim Sheikh was instrumental in taking the Metro past 100 amid the 
wayward batting effort of his colleagues. Naim was the top-scorer of the 
match from the either side with 53 ball-57, an innings laced with six fours 
and one six.

Naim's opening partner Imraznuzzman made 14 while Shohidul Islam added 16. No 
other batters could reach double digits. 

Mehedi Hasan Rana, Masum Khan Tutul and Sheikh Parvej Jibon bagged two 
wickets apiece for Khulna.