A thrilling encounter in the NCL T20’s fifth round saw Sylhet fall agonizingly short by just one run against an undefeated Dhaka Metro. Despite a breathtaking knock from Sylhet captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby, Dhaka Metro extended their winning streak to five games.

Chasing 157 for victory, Sylhet found themselves needing 39 runs from the last two overs. Rabby smashed 15 runs in the 19th over, keeping the chase alive. With 24 required in the final over, the odds were stacked against Sylhet. Facing experienced Dhaka Metro skipper Shohidul Islam, Rabby launched a valiant assault, collecting 22 runs from the over but fell heartbreakingly short by just one run.

Rabby’s unbeaten 82 off 39 balls, featuring three boundaries and seven sixes, was a masterclass in T20 batting. He single-handedly carried Sylhet’s innings with a blistering strike rate of 210.26, coming agonizingly close to completing an improbable chase.

Earlier, Dhaka Metro opted to bat first, posting 156/7 in their 20 overs. Abu Hider Rony was the standout performer, smashing an unbeaten 47 off just 23 balls, laced with two boundaries and five sixes. Anisul Islam Emon contributed 39 off 36 balls, while Shamsur Rahman added 28 off 21.

Sylhet’s bowlers, led by Nayeem Hossain Shakib with 3/27, managed to restrict Dhaka to a competitive total. Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby and Al Fahad chipped in with a wicket each.

In reply, Sylhet’s batting faltered early. Tawfique Khan Tusar (28 off 26) and Tofael Ahmed (21 off 16) provided brief resistance, but it was Rabby who shouldered the entire burden. However, despite his heroics, Sylhet could only manage 155/7 in their 20 overs, losing the game by the narrowest of margins.

While Rabby’s extraordinary innings stole the spotlight, Abu Hider Rony’s contributions with both bat and ball proved decisive. His explosive cameo in the death overs and crucial wickets earned him the Player of the Match award, further cementing Dhaka Metro’s dominance in the tournament.