Dhaka Metro reached the final of the inaugural edition of the NCL T20 with a crushing 38-run win over Khulna in the Qualifier-2 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Chasing a target of 120 runs, Khulna was bowled out for just 81 runs in 17.4 overs, thanks to a strong bowling effort by Metro.
Metro will take on Rangpur in the final on Tuesday at the same venue. Earlier, Rangpur ensured their final spot by defeating Metro in Qualifier-1 by four wickets on Saturday.
Opting to bat first, captain Naim Sheikh, the highest run-scorer of the tournament with 316 runs in nine matches, single-handedly took Sylhet to 119-8, making 57 off 53 balls featuring six fours and a maximum.
Opener Imranuzzaman (14) and Shohidul Islam (16) were the other batters who crossed double digits against disciplined bowling from Khulna.
Pacer Masum Khan Tutul, Sheikh Parvez Jibon, and Mehedi Hasan Rana took two wickets each for Khulna.
National team pacer Mustafizur Rahman, who returned to action after a month-long break, failed to leave an impression as he returned with 1-35.
Chasing, Khulna got off to a disastrous start, losing their first three wickets for just two runs within two overs.聽
Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan initiated Khulna's early collapse by dismantling the top order.
He claimed the wickets of Azizul Tamim (0) and Imrul Kayes (0), along with executing a run-out of Mohammad Mithun (1).聽
Khulna could never recover from the setback as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals.
Captain Nurul Hasan Sohan top-scored with 22 off 18 deliveries while Anamul Haque Bijoy and Masum scored 16 runs each.
For Metro, Mosaddek was the standout performer claiming three wickets, while Maruf Mridha and Rakibul each contributed with two wickets.