Dhaka will now face Rangpur in the tournament’s first-ever final on Tuesday, December 24. Rangpur had earlier qualified by defeating Dhaka Metro in the first qualifier.

Batting first, Dhaka Metro posted a modest total of 119 runs, led by captain Naim Sheikh’s steady knock of 57 off 53 balls, featuring six fours and one six. Pacer Shahidul Islam contributed 16 runs, the second-highest score for the team.

This match marked the return of Mustafizur Rahman for Khulna, but the star pacer struggled to make an impact. He conceded 35 runs in his four overs, picking up one wicket. Masum Khan and Mehedi Hasan Rana were the standout bowlers for Khulna, taking two wickets each for 16 and 18 runs, respectively. Sheikh Parvez Jibon also claimed two wickets for 17 runs.

In reply, Khulna faltered under pressure, collapsing for just 81 runs in 17.4 overs. Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan top-scored with 22 runs, while Anamul Haque Bijoy and Masum Khan Tutul managed 16 runs each. Apart from Sheikh Parvez Jibon’s 15 runs, no other batter reached double figures.

Mosaddek Hossain was the star with the ball for Dhaka Metro, taking three wickets for just 13 runs. Rakibul Hasan and Maruf Mridha picked up two wickets each, while Elias and Shahidul Islam claimed one wicket apiece.

Dhaka Metro will now face Rangpur in the highly anticipated final, aiming to clinch the title in the inaugural edition of the NCL T20.