Sabbir Rahman’s Decisive Knock Lifts Dhaka Capitals After BPL Tragedy

Dhaka Capitals began their 2026 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) campaign under a cloud of sorrow but emerged with resilience and victory, thanks in large part to a late flourish from Sabbir Rahman. The match against Rajshahi Warriors was not just another fixture; it carried the weight of loss after Dhaka’s assistant coach, Mahbub Ali Zaki, tragically died from a heart attack during the pre-match warm-up at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The cricketing community was left stunned, and the players faced an emotional challenge before a single ball was bowled.

In the aftermath of tragedy, the game itself became a test of character. Dhaka’s captain Mohammad Mithun won the toss and chose to field, perhaps hoping his side could channel their grief into focus. Rajshahi Warriors, fresh off an emphatic win in their opener, found themselves struggling from the outset. Sahibzada Farhan fell first ball, and Dhaka’s bowlers—led by Pakistan’s Imad Wasim (3 wickets for 16 runs) and Nasir Hossain (2 for 32)—kept Rajshahi under constant pressure. Najmul Hossain Shanto tried to anchor the innings with a determined 37 off 28 balls, but partnerships never materialized. Mushfiqur Rahim added 24, and Mohammad Nawaz remained unbeaten on 26, but the total of 132 for eight looked modest.

Dhaka’s chase was anything but smooth sailing. Early wickets saw Saif Hassan and Usman Khan depart cheaply, and the side managed only 43 for two during the powerplay. Abdullah Al Mamun stepped up with a composed 45 off 39 balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking and sharing a crucial partnership with Mithun. Yet, when both fell in quick succession, the tension mounted. With 35 runs needed from 25 balls and pressure rising, the outcome hung in the balance.

Enter Sabbir Rahman. Cricket, like life, often turns on moments of boldness, and Rahman’s approach was exactly that. He played with the kind of freedom that belies the tension of a close chase, striking 21 runs from just 10 deliveries. His aggressive cameo, featuring crisp boundaries and quick running between the wickets, shifted momentum decisively. Alongside Shamim Hossain (17 not out off 13 balls), Sabbir ensured Dhaka reached their target with seven balls to spare. The pair’s finishing partnership was a masterclass in handling pressure, giving the team—and its grieving staff—a reason to celebrate amidst the sadness.

The match was also notable for the disciplined bowling and fielding from Dhaka, who never allowed Rajshahi’s hitters to settle. Imad Wasim’s spell was especially crucial, breaking the backbone of the opposition’s batting. On the batting side, Abdullah Al Mamun’s anchor role set the stage, but it was Sabbir Rahman’s late burst that wrote the headlines. The victory was not just about points on the board; it was about overcoming adversity, about sport offering solace and unity in times of distress.

For Rajshahi Warriors, the defeat was a sharp reversal from their opening match. Their inability to forge partnerships, especially after Shanto’s start, and the effectiveness of Dhaka’s bowlers were telling factors. Nawaz’s three wickets (3-21) briefly threatened to disrupt Dhaka’s chase, but ultimately, the Capitals’ composure held firm.

As the BPL season unfolds, this match will be remembered not just for its cricketing drama but for the resilience shown by Dhaka’s players in the face of personal loss. Sabbir Rahman’s role—stepping up in the clutch, with emotional weight on his shoulders—epitomizes the unpredictable heroics that make sport compelling.

Dhaka’s victory, powered by Sabbir Rahman’s fearless knock, was more than a win on the scoreboard. It was a testament to the team’s ability to channel grief into determination, reminding us that sometimes the most memorable performances are born out of adversity. Cited sources: bdcrictime.com, New Age BD, Observer BD.