The match between Dhaka Capitals and Rajshahi Warriors at the Sylhet International Stadium was marked by a profound sense of tragedy following the sudden passing of Dhaka’s assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki. Shortly before the first ball was bowled on 28 December 2025, Zaki fell ill and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was tragically pronounced dead. Amidst an atmosphere of heavy hearts and somber reflection, the Dhaka squad took to the field and secured an emotional five-wicket victory as a tribute to their late mentor.
Imad Wasim Orchestrates Rajshahi’s Collapse
Dhaka’s clinical performance began in the field after they won 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 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 Mushfiqur Rahim and a late unbeaten 26 from Mohammad Nawaz, the Warriors struggled to build momentum. They eventually limped to a modest total of 132/8, a target that appeared well within Dhaka’s grasp provided they kept their composure.
Match Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Rajshahi Warriors | Dhaka Capitals |
| Final Score | 132/8 (20 Overs) | 134/5 (18.5 Overs) |
| Leading Runs | Najmul Shanto (37) | Abdullah Al Mamun (45) |
| Bowling Honours | Mohammad Nawaz (3/21) | Imad Wasim (3/16) |
| Decisive Cameo | Mohammad Nawaz (26*) | Sabbir Rahman (21* off 10) |
| Win Margin | N/A | 5 Wickets |
Sabbir Rahman’s Blistering Finish
Dhaka’s chase started tentatively after losing Saif Hassan early for just one run. Abdullah Al Mamun provided the necessary stability, scoring a vital 45 off 39 balls. However, as the innings progressed, the run rate began to climb following a sluggish 19 from Nasir Hossain. When Sabbir Rahman arrived at the crease, Dhaka required 35 runs from the final 25 balls—a scenario that threatened to become tense.
Sabbir immediately shifted the momentum, taking 15 runs off an over from Sandeep Lamichhane in tandem with Shamim Hossain. His explosive 21-run cameo from just 10 balls included a display of aggressive boundary-hitting that effectively ended the contest with seven balls to spare. While Imad Wasim was named Player of the Match, the victory was a secondary thought to a team mourning the loss of a beloved member of their coaching staff.