Although Shanto missed the first two matches for Rajshahi, he announced his return in style during the third match, smashing a blistering 80 off 54 balls.

His innings, laced with five fours and four sixes, powered Rajshahi to a formidable total of 184/5.

Despite Shanto’s heroics, Barishal chased down the target with three balls to spare. Abdul Mazid led Barishal’s chase with a 39-ball 53, supported by Iftikhar Hossain’s 35.

Fazle Mahmud Rabbi anchored the innings with a crucial 34-ball 54, while Salman Hossain Emon added a quickfire 21 off 12 balls. Moeen Khan sealed the victory with an 8-ball cameo of 15 runs.

For Rajshahi, Shafiqul Islam, Mohor Sheikh, and Golam Kibria picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Rajshahi’s innings got off to a strong start, with openers Habibur Rahman Sohan and Shanto putting up an 89-run partnership.

Sohan scored 47 off 33 balls before falling, while Shanto was well-supported by Sabbir Hossain, who added 23 runs. However, a mini-collapse followed, with Pritom Kumar and Meherob Hossain departing cheaply.

Shanto’s dismissal after his stellar 80 left Rajshahi relying on late contributions from Farhad Reza (10 off 6) and Golam Kibria (1 not out) to reach their total. For Barishal, Moeen Khan and Mehedi Hasan claimed two wickets each, while Kamrul Islam Rabbi picked up one.

Despite the loss, Shanto’s return to form is a positive sign for Bangladesh ahead of the T20 series.