Dhaka Capitals Secure Poignant Victory Amidst Institutional Grief
The fixture between Dhaka Capitals and Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Stadium on 28 December 2025 was marked by a profound sense of tragedy. Moments before the commencement of play, Dhaka’s assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki, suffered a sudden medical emergency in the dugout. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was tragically pronounced dead, leaving the squad to navigate the match under a heavy veil of mourning. In a display of immense mental fortitude, Dhaka managed to honour their late coach on the field, securing a five-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.
Bowling Mastery: Imad Wasim Sets the Tone
Dhaka’s clinical performance began in the field after winning the toss. The tone was established by Pakistani left-arm spinner Imad Wasim, who claimed a wicket with the very first delivery of the match, dismissing Sahibzada Farhan for a golden duck. Imad’s masterful control continued into the middle overs, where he removed the dangerous Najmul Hossain Shanto (37) and Yasir Ali to finish with exceptional figures of 3 for 16 from his four overs.
Despite a valiant 24 from the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim and a late unbeaten 26 from Mohammad Nawaz, the Warriors struggled to build any significant momentum. They eventually limped to a modest total of 132/8, a target that remained manageable for a Dhaka side playing with a deep sense of purpose.
Match Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Rajshahi Warriors | Dhaka Capitals |
| Final Score | 132/8 (20 Overs) | 134/5 (18.5 Overs) |
| Leading Run-Scorer | Najmul Shanto (37) | Abdullah Al Mamun (45) |
| Top Wicket-Taker | Mohammad Nawaz (3/21) | Imad Wasim (3/16) |
| Strike Rate Lead | Mohammad Nawaz (104.0) | Sabbir Rahman (210.0) |
| Win Margin | — | 5 Wickets |
The Chase: Sabbir Rahman’s Decisive Cameo
Dhaka’s pursuit of 133 started tentatively with the early loss of Saif Hassan. However, Abdullah Al Mamun provided the necessary anchor, scoring a vital 45 off 39 balls. As the innings progressed into the final stages, the run rate began to climb following a sluggish 19 from Nasir Hossain. When Sabbir Rahman arrived at the crease, the equation was 35 runs required from the final 25 balls.
Sabbir immediately shifted the momentum, taking 15 runs off an over from the Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane in tandem with Shamim Hossain. His explosive 21-run cameo from just 10 balls effectively ended the contest. While Imad Wasim was named Player of the Match, the victory was secondary to a team mourning a beloved member of their coaching staff.