Dhaka beat Rajshahi under a cloud of grief

Dhaka Capitals began their campaign in the 12th Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) with a five-wicket victory over Rajshahi Warriors in the opening match of Saturday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, played under a cloud of grief.

The match was overshadowed by tragedy as Dhaka's assistant coach Mahbub Ali Zaki suffered a heart attack during the warm-up session before the match and passed away on the way to hospital.

Both teams and match officials observed a minute's silence during the innings break to pay tribute to the departed coach.

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In the match, put in to bat first, Rajshahi failed to reproduce their batting heroics from the previous match and were restricted to 132 for eight in their allotted 20 overs.

Dhaka all-rounder Imad Wasim was the chief destroyer, claiming 3 for 16 from four overs, while Nasir Hossain chipped in with two wickets.

For Rajshahi, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto once again top-scored with 37 off 28 balls, following his brilliant unbeaten century against Sylhet Titans. Mohammad Nawaz contributed with a run-a-ball 26 late down the order.

In reply, Dhaka lost opener Saif Hassan early for one, but Abdullah Al Mamun steadied the chase with a composed 45 off 39 deliveries.

Despite a brief fightback from Rajshahi bowlers, who reduced Dhaka to 98 for 5, Sabbir Rahman's unbeaten 21 off 10 balls and Shamim Hossain's 17 not out from 13 balls guided the Capitals to 134 for five in 18.5 overs. Nawaz was the standout bowler for Rajshahi with figures of 3 for 21.