In previous matches at the Sylhet venue, teams batting second typically triumphed due to the impact of dew, but Rajshahi broke the trend by defending their 178-5 and bowling out Khulna for 150 in 19.2 overs. This was Khulna’s first match in Sylhet, following two consecutive victories in the Dhaka phase.

Zimbabwean all-rounder Ryan Burl was instrumental in Rajshahi’s victory, contributing an unbeaten 48 off 29 balls and taking 2-13 in his two overs. After being put into bat, Rajshahi initially struggled, slumping to 67-4 in 9.5 overs. Burl then joined Yasir Ali Rabbi to form a crucial 88-run partnership, steering the team to a competitive total. Yasir scored 41 off 25 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, before being dismissed in the penultimate over. Akbar Ali provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 21 off 9 balls.

Burl, who smashed seven fours and one six, narrowly missed his half-century as Akbar faced the majority of deliveries in the final moments. For Khulna, Nasum Ahmed stood out with figures of 2-20.

Chasing 179, Khulna’s top order faltered, with no batter crossing the 33-run mark. Afif Hossain top-scored with 33, while opener Naim Sheikh contributed 24. The rest of the batting lineup struggled against Rajshahi’s bowlers, with Ryan Burl and Sohag Gazi dismantling the middle order.

Rajshahi pacer Taskin Ahmed had an off day but still managed to take two wickets, including the crucial scalp of Khulna captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 1. Taskin wrapped up the innings by dismissing Salman Irshad in the final over, finishing with figures of 2-30 from 3.3 overs.

With this victory, Rajshahi showcased their ability to defend a total and gained momentum in the tournament, while Khulna will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches.