After winning the toss Khulna decided to bat first against Rajshahi but they lost the way following four run outs, being bundled out for a fragile 121 in their rain-interrupted innings in 52 overs.

But Rajshahi batsmen failed to capitalise on the early initiatives as Khulna rode on Ali Imran's three-wicket haul to bounce back strongly in the match.

Rajshahi were struggling on 53 for six, still 69 runs away from the target, after 29 overs at stumps. Opener Talha Bin Tariq was the only batsman reaching the double figure, scoring 19 off 61 deliveries.

Ali Imran did the early damage with 3-18 in 13 overs and got good support from Bishawanath Halder who took two wickets for one run in three overs.

Earlier, captain Rabiul Islam topscored 31 and Ali Imran added 25 in Khulna's 121. Rial was the most successful Rajshahi bowler picking up two wickets for 18 runs in seven overs.

SCORES IN BRIEF
KHULNA: 121 all out in 52 overs (Rabiul 31, Amit 10, Imran 25, Obaidur 13, Nurul 13, extras 21; Rumman 1-23, Rial 2-18, Sarik 1-13, Saqlian 1-17, Momin 1-14).

RAJSHAHI: 53 for 6 in 29 overs (Talha 19, Hamidul 9 not out, Saqlian 5 not out, extras 5; Imran 3-18, Rabiul 1-12, Bishawanat 2-1).