Khulna secure playoff spot against Chattogram

After a string of underwhelming performances, experienced batter Mohammad Mithun and Imrul Kayes stepped up when it mattered most, guiding Khulna Division to the playoffs of the National League T20 in Sylhet, report agencies.

Mithun, who had scored just 58 runs in his previous six innings, and Kayes, with 36 runs in three innings, found form at the right time. Mithun scored 71 runs, while Kayes got 40 runs today.

Youngster Azizul Hakim Tamim (66), who has been a revelation throughout the tournament, continued his stellar run, surpassing expectations yet again.

With contributions from the trio and a strong showing from their bowlers, Khulna secured a vital win against Rangpur by 34 runs. Having managed just one victory in their first four matches, Khulna ended the league stage with three consecutive wins, finishing third with eight points. Despite losing the match, Rangpur Division, who had already secured a playoff spot, retained their second-place position.

Khulna will now face Chattogram in the Eliminator, while Dhaka Metro and Rangpur will battle in Qualifier 1. The winner of Qualifier 1 will head straight to the final, while the loser will face the Eliminator winner in Qualifier 2 for another shot at the title.

In another match, Dhaka Metro finished the NCL T20 tournament group phase as only unbeaten team after securing a 17-run victory over Chattogram in the seventh and last match at Sylhet Academy Ground in Sylhet on Thursday.

Asked to bat first, Metro compiled 158-8, riding on half-centuries from Shamsur Rahman Shuvo and Marshall Ayub. The duo shared 96 runs for the fourth wicket to help the side recover from a shaky start that saw Metro plunging into 37-3 in fourth over.

Marhsall Ayub hit 51 off 42 with five fours and one six before Fahad Hossain broke through to break the partnership. But Shuvo helped the side propel past 150-run mark and was dismissed in the last over after striking 56 off 48 with three fours and one six. Despite the defeat Chattogram ensured playoffs, finishing fourth spot in the point table.

Meanwhile, despite a 19-run victory against Barishal Division, Dhaka made an exit from the NCL T20 group phase as they failed to enhance the net run rate at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet on Thrusday.

Dhaka indeed needed a big victory to beat Chattogram by net run rate and Chattogram's defeat to Dhaka Metro opened the gate for them. But they failed to do what they needed to do.

In another match, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front as Rajshahi ended NCL T20 tournament with winning note by romping to a 16-run victory over Sylhet at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet on Thursday.

Elimination from the tournament before playoffs were decided for both teams ahead of the game, so it was just a match to secure a consolation victory.